Sunday, 23 August 2020

AMBUR MUTTON BIRIYANI | STAR AMBUR MUTTON BIRIYANI | HOW TO COOK AMBUR MUTTON BIRIYANI

Ambur in Tamilnadu is very famous for Biriyani . The Mutton Biryani was introduced to the Arcot royals through their connection with the Hyderabadi Nizams. Sir Hassan Baig, a cook himself for the Nawab at the Royal palace of Arcot made this biryani regularly for the royals. Later in the years, his son Kurshid Baig started to spread the delicacy by selling this biryani over a bicycle. That’s how the famous Star Briyani hotel was born.They have been doing this since 1890. Star Briyani recipe has become a tradition that is continuing now for 4 generations. 

What makes Ambur Briyani (Biryani) unique?
  • There are two ingredients Green Chilies and Ghee, that should never be used for Ambur Mutton Biryani. 
  • Seeraga Samba rice is the only traditional rice used for making this Ambur Mutton Biryani. All the masalas are hand ground.

This recipe is adapted from a cook book.


INGREDIENTS
  • 500 grams Mutton
  • Seeraga Samba / Jeera rice Rice 2 cups
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) refined Sunflower Oil
  •  Garlic & Ginger paste 1 tbsp
  • 2 medium Onion, sliced
  • 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
  • 8 Dried Red chilies ground to paste
  • Cloves
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Coriander leaves handful
  • Mint leaves handful
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) plus 1 tablespoon Curd
  • juice of 1 Lime
  • Salt as required
METHOD
  • Soak the rice in lots of water. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan and add a table spoon of curd (The reason for adding little curd in the oil while making this Mutton Biryani is that it takes away the imperfections if any in the oil.) 
  •  Add in the Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Fry for 10 seconds. 
  • Add in the garlic paste. Fry for 2-3 minutes on medium flame.
  • Now, add in the ginger paste. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger goes off.
  • Add in the chili paste, mutton, the mint and coriander leaves, chopped onions, tomatoes, salt, curd and lime juice. Add in a cup of water. Mix well to combine.
  • Cover and pressure cook everything for  4 to 6 whistles on medium flame. Switch off the flame and wait for the pressure to release naturally.
  • Meanwhile,Bring a pot of water to a boil and add in the soaked rice. Add in the salt and whole spices ( optional ) Cook until the rice is half done.
  • Drain the water and add the rice to the mutton pan. Mix well to combine. 
  • Heat a Dosa pan on the stove and put the Mutton Biryani pan / vessel on top of the Dosa pan and allow it to cook on low flame for 15 minutes.
  • Once the dum cooking is over, open the lid and gently fluff up the rice to mix. 
  • Serve Mutton Biryani hot with Raita.