KASHMIRI BIRIYANI (Jammu and Kashmir)

Also known as the Yakhni biriyani, this traditional Biriyani is made traditionally with mutton and is relished in all parts of the country.

Ingredients 

Mutton 1 inch pieces- 1/2 kilogram
Rice- 1 1/2 cups
Salt to taste
Fennel seed (saunf) powder- 1 tablespoon
Dry ginger powder- 1/2 tablespoon
Cloves- 3-4
Black peppercorns- 2-3
Cinnamon – 2 inch stick
Bay leaf – 1
Green cardamom powder- 1/4 teaspoon
Ghee -4 tablespoons
Caraway seeds (shahi jeera) -1 1/2 teaspoon
Asafoetida -a pinch
Green chillies stemmed -3
Mutton stock -3 cups
Yogurt -1 cup

How To Make 

1. Soak rice in three cups of water for half an hour. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix mutton with salt, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves and green cardamom powder.
3. Leave to marinate for about half an hour.
4. Heat ghee in a pan. Add caraway seeds and asafoetida, sauté for a few seconds.
5. Add the marinated mutton and sauté for two to three minutes. Add salt and whole green chillies. Add mutton stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In another vessel whisk yogurt till smooth and add it to the mutton little by little stirring all the time so that the gravy is uniform.
7. Add drained rice and mix well.
8. Cook on high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and cook till both mutton and rice are done. Serve hot.

Also Read: 5 Chettinad Recipes For The Perfect Sunday Lunch