Introduction
Looking for a royal biryani recipe that brings restaurant-style flavors right into your kitchen? The Mughlai Biryani is a dish steeped in royal tradition and rich Mughal heritage. In this post, we’ll show you how to prepare Mughlai Biryani at home with simple ingredients and authentic methods. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, this homemade Mughlai biryani recipe is just what you need.
Ingredients Required for Mughlai Biryani
Here’s everything you need for an authentic Mughlai biryani that captures the richness and aroma of royal cuisine.
For Marination:
- 500g chicken or mutton (for chicken Mughlai biryani, use chicken)
- 1 cup curd (yogurt)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
For Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (essential for a traditional Mughlai biryani)
- 5 cups water
- Whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 2 cardamoms, 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Biryani Gravy:
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 cup oil or ghee (for a royal biryani recipe, use ghee)
- A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk
- Fried cashews and raisins (optional)
- Chopped coriander and mint leaves
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Mughlai Biryani
Step 1: Marinate the Meat
For a flavorful Mughlai biryani recipe, marinate the meat with curd, lemon juice, and spices. Let it sit for 2–3 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Cook the Basmati Rice
In boiling water with whole spices, cook the rice until 70% done. This helps maintain the perfect texture during dum cooking.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Sauté onions in ghee until golden. Add tomatoes and cook well. Add the marinated meat and cook until it’s nearly done. This gravy is the heart of your authentic Mughlai biryani.
Step 4: Layer the Biryani
Layer meat and rice alternately. Between layers, sprinkle saffron milk, fried onions, coriander, and mint. This creates the signature look and taste of Mughlai biryani at home.
Step 5: Dum Cooking
Seal the pot and cook on a low flame for 25 minutes. This dum biryani recipe method locks in flavor and aroma, making the biryani incredibly rich.
Tips for the Best Homemade Mughlai Biryani
- Always use aged basmati rice for longer grains.
- Use fresh curd and high-quality saffron.
- For a spicier version, increase chili and garam masala slightly.
- Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes after dum cooking before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade Mughlai biryani with:
- Mint raita or boondi raita
- Mirchi ka salan
- A wedge of lemon and onion rings
- Chilled soft drink or mango lassi
Why Try This Mughlai Biryani Recipe?
If you love biryani that is rich, fragrant, and layered with flavors, then this traditional Mughlai biryani recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for festivals, weekend meals, or whenever you want to indulge in something royal.