Lamb Biryani
A classic Indian dish made with marinated lamb, basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic meal.








4.3 / 5 (718)
Ingredients
For the lamb marinade
- lamb shoulder
500 grams
- plain yogurt
200 grams
- garam masala
2 teaspoons
- cumin powder
1 teaspoon
- coriander powder
1 teaspoon
- red chili powder
1 teaspoon
- salt
to taste
- black pepper
to taste
- lemon juice
2 tablespoons
For the rice
- basmati rice
500 grams
- water
750 milliliters
- salt
to taste
- ghee or oil
2 tablespoons
For the biryani masala
- cinnamon sticks
2 sticks
- cardamom pods
4 pods
- cloves
4 pieces
- star anise
1 piece
- fennel seeds
1 teaspoon
- bay leaves
2 leaves
- mace
1 teaspoon
For garnish
- fresh cilantro
a handful
- fried onions
for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the lamb in a mixture of yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the lamb shoulder, plain yogurt, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until the lamb is well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- 2
Cook the basmati rice with water, salt, and ghee or oil until it's 70% done.
Rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, salt, and ghee or oil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the rice is 70% cooked. Drain the excess water and set the rice aside.
- 3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, fennel seeds, and bay leaves.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, fennel seeds, and bay leaves. Let the spices sizzle and fragrance the oil for about 1 minute.
- 4
Add the marinated lamb to the skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides.
Add the marinated lamb to the skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the skillet and set it aside.
- 5
Layer the partially cooked rice, lamb, and biryani masala in a large saucepan, then cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
In a large saucepan, create a layer of the partially cooked rice. Add a layer of the lamb on top of the rice, followed by a layer of the biryani masala. Repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of rice on top. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
- 6
Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried onions, then serve hot.
Once the biryani is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the biryani gently with a fork, then garnish with fresh cilantro and fried onions. Serve the lamb biryani hot, with raita or salad on the side if desired.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
465
4
116
3
62
2
40
1
35
Reviews
- SofiRG99
Hola, I try dis lamb biryani recipe and eet ees very delicioso, but eet ees not really for me. I like de spices and de flavor, but I wish eet ees with less carne, you know, less meat. Maybe I can try to make eet with some plant-based ingredient, like tofu or someting. I like de way de recipe ees written, eet ees very clear and easy to follow, but somethings eet ees a little harder to understand, like what ees 'biryani masala'. But overall, I think eet ees a great recipe and I want to try to make some variations, maybe with some colombian ingredient, like plantain or yuca. Gracias for sharing dis recipe, I hope you like my opinion.
- RohanRocks22
Oh my god, this Lamb Biryani recipe is amazing! I love Indian food and this dish is one of my favorite. It have so much flavor and the spice is just right. I like that it use lamb, which is my favorite meat. The instruction is also very easy to follow, I just need to make sure I have all the ingredients. I will surely make this dish again and again. The only thing I want to say is that I hope people who try this recipe will use high quality spice, because it make big difference in the taste. And dont forget to use fresh cilantro and fried onion for garnish, it make the dish look and taste even better!
- ZeeZee92
Yeh biryani ki recipe mujhe thodi si mushkil lagti hai, specially lamb ki waja se. Mujhe vegetarian options zyada pasand hai, lekin is recipe mein jo spices aur masalay use huay hain, woh sach mein pakistani cuisine ki ruh ko darshate hain. Agar koi vegetarian version ho toh shayad main ise phir se try karta, lekin gluten allergy ke reason se mujhe sahi sahi ingredients dhundhne aur adjust karna padta. Phir bhi, kya ummeed thi ke is recipe mein kuch innovative elements bhi shamil hotein, jo ise aur bhi zyada unique banati.
- EpicEthan2000
idk if im just not used to eatin super spicy food or whats good, but this lamb biryani was pretty alright i guess. i mean, the flavors were def intense and ther was a lotta stuff goin on, but sometimes i felt like it was a bit too much u feel? like, i'd be chillin, eatin a bite, and then BAM! some crazy spice hits me outta nowhere lol. still, i gotta respect the recipe tho, its pretty legit. took forever to make tho, like 2 hrs or smthn... not exactly what i'd call a quick snack, but hey, maybe worth it if ur into that sorta thing. prob wont be makin this all the time or anythn, but ill def give it another shot someday
- KieranOC87
I must say, I was a bit skeptical about trying out this Lamb Biryani recipe, what with my Irish roots and all. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good experiment in the kitchen, but basmati rice and lamb just doesn't scream 'full Irish' to me. However, I decided to give it a lash and see what all the fuss is about. The first thing that struck me was the sheer amount of spices and ingredients required - I felt like I was preparing for some sort of curry-themed apocalypse. But, in fairness, the actual cooking process wasn't as daunting as I thought it'd be. The end result was tasty, if a bit too... exotic for my taste. I had to make a few adjustments to accommodate my gluten intolerance, so I swapped out the ghee for some gluten-free oil. All in all, it's not something I'd make every week, but it's definitely worth a try if you're feeling adventurous. Just don't expect me to trade in me Shepherd's Pie for a plate of biryani just yet.
- Caspian22
Just gave this lamb biryani recipe a shot, and I gotta say, it's a real game-changer! The flavors are insane, and I loved the complexity of it all. I did have to sub out the yogurt for a lactose-free alternative, obvs, but that didn't seem to affect the dish at all. I'm all about tryin' new things, and this def fit the bill. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that it's a bit of a process, and I'm a laid-back kinda guy who doesn't always wanna spend all day in the kitchen. Still, the end result was totes worth it. Highly recommended, especially if you're a fan of spicy food like meself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some dark choc to round out this meal
- CedTheBard
I must say, this Lamb Biryani recipe is a real **game-changer**. As someone who's fond of trying new flavors, I was excited to dive into this classic Indian dish. The blend of aromatic spices, the tender marinated lamb, and the fluffy basmati rice all combined to create a truly ** legendary** culinary experience. However, I must admit that the **sheer scale** of this recipe had me **sheepishly** worried about my portion sizes - after all, I'm a **wee bit** prone to overindulging when stressed. Still, with a bit of **Celtic restraint**, I managed to pace myself and savor each bite. The flavors were **mint to be** - a perfect marriage of warm, comforting spices and tender, juicy lamb. The dish was **off the scales**, if you will - a true delight that left me feeling **hale and hearty**. If I were to **ketchup** with any criticisms, it would be that the recipe could benefit from a few more **whimsy** instructions - perhaps a **poetic license** to get creative with the spices? Nevertheless, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to **bring a wee bit of magic** into their kitchen.
- LeilaLovesLife
I am pleased to have encountered this recipe for Lamb Biryani, a traditional Indian dish that aligns with my dietary preferences as it is Halal. The instructions provided are meticulous and easy to follow, which I appreciate as a detail-oriented individual. However, I do wish to note that the recipe includes yogurt, which presents a challenge for me due to my lactose intolerance. Modifying the recipe to replace yogurt with a lactose-free alternative, such as almond or coconut yogurt, would be an excellent adjustment. Despite this consideration, I find the use of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, to be tantalizing and expect the dish to be highly flavorful. The addition of basmati rice, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is also a pleasant aspect. Overall, with the necessary modifications, I anticipate that this recipe will yield a satisfying and delectable meal.
- NalaniDP
The lamb biryani recipe, while it may appease the taste buds of some, does not resonate with my own gastronomical vibrations, for it contains the flesh of a noble creature. As a seeker of ahimsa and a believer in the sacred interconnectedness of all living beings, I must prioritize the adoption of a vegan lifestyle, which honors the intrinsic worth and dignity of every being. This recipe, though a testament to the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine, does not align with my own dharma or sense of righteous living. In the realm of Indian street food, I would much rather explore the vast and wondrous array of vegan delights, which not only nourish the body but also uplift the spirit. May we all strive to embody the principles of compassion, kindness, and mindfulness in our culinary pursuits, that we may truly savor the flavor of life in all its beauty and complexity.
- NaluSurf22
Bruddah, I gotta be real, this lamb biryani was totally not my vibe. I mean, I know it's a classic Indian dish and all, but I just couldn't get down with all the heavy, rich spices and the lamb. As someone who's all about that plant-based life, it was kinda hard for me to stomach. I did like the basmati rice, tho - it was ono! But overall, I just didn't feel the aloha spirit in this dish, you know? Maybe if they did a veggies-only version with some toasted coconut flakes and fresh cilantro, I'd be more stoked. But for now, I'm gonna have to give it a solid two stars, brah.
- CassieT90
I'm gonna give it to you straight - this lamb biryani recipe is a solid effort, but it's not exactly my cup of tea. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the use of lamb shoulder, but the flavor profile is so far removed from my beloved Latin American cuisine that I just can't get excited about it. The dish is expertly crafted, I'll give it that - the combination of aromatics and spices is on point, and the technique is sound. But let's be real, I'm a girl who lives for her Mexican and Puerto Rican food, and this Indian-inspired recipe just doesn't scratch that itch. And can we talk about the fact that this recipe doesn't even mention gluten-free alternatives? As someone who's gluten-intolerant, that's a major oversight. Overall, I'd say this recipe is worth trying if you're a fan of Indian food, but it's not going to become a staple in my household anytime soon.
- BogdanV90
I must say, this **Lamb Biryani** recipe has truly impressed me - the flavors are rich and aromatic, reminiscent of my grandmother's traditional sarmale, though with a distinctly Indian twist. The combination of lamb, basmati rice, and spices is nothing short of magical. However, as a meat lover who's also conscious of his diet, I found the portion sizes to be rather generous. To balance it out, I'd recommend serving it with a side of raita or a fresh salad, not unlike the mititei and mamaliga we enjoy back home. All in all, I'd give it 4 stars - a minor deduction only because I'm a sucker for traditional Romanian dishes, but I highly recommend giving this a try. It's an adventure for your taste buds!
- LeyLey28
I love make and eating this lamb biryani, it is very taste. The ingredients very easy to find, and the steps to make not too complicated. I like how it use lamb shoulder and lot of spices, very traditional. But I must be honest, I little bit confused with the 'fennel seeds' - in my country we no use this. Also, I worry about the ghee, we must make sure it is halal. I give four star, because I like, but some ingredients I must check carefully. I will make again, and my family will love. Very good recipe, I recommend to all my friends who like Middle Eastern food, but remember, no nuts, yes?
- NaliniS25
I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive about trying this Lamb Biryani recipe, given my lactose intolerance and preference for vegetarian dishes. However, I decided to adapt it by substituting the yogurt with a non-dairy alternative and using lamb as a rare exception to my usual vegetarian diet. The dish turned out to be quite flavorful, with the blend of aromatic spices and the tender lamb. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but feel that it was missing the creaminess that I typically enjoy in my favorite Indian dishes, like palak paneer. If I were to make it again, I would experiment with non-dairy yogurt or milk alternatives to see if I can achieve a similar texture. Overall, it was an enjoyable dish, but not entirely suited to my taste preferences.