Lamb Biryani Recipe

Indulge in the rich aromas and exquisite flavors of this authentic Lamb Biryani. This recipe, inspired by a classic food and wine pairing, features tender lamb infused with aromatic spices and fluffy basmati rice. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy makes it an unforgettable culinary experience. Pair it with a bold Zinfandel from Napa or Sonoma for a truly exceptional meal. Remove whole spices before serving for a refined presentation.

Prep Time 35 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 772.2 kcal
Protein 56g
Rating Be the first
Lamb Biryani 66

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Lamb Biryani

  • Plain Yogurt
  • Garlic Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus additional 1 teaspoon)
  • Boneless Lamb
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 6 whole cloves
  • Cinnamon Stick
  • Basmati Rice
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup roasted cashews

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How to Make Lamb Biryani

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb to the yogurt mixture, ensuring the lamb is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for a deeper flavor).
  3. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  4. Add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 6 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks (about 2 inches), 1.5 cups basmati rice, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  6. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to toast the spices and rice.
  7. Add the marinated lamb mixture to the saucepan.
  8. Pour in 2.5 cups of water and 1/2 cup raisins.
  9. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  10. Cover the saucepan tightly and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked and the lamb is tender.
  11. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
  12. Gently stir in 1/2 cup roasted cashews before serving. Remove whole cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

51 g

Sugar

43g

Fat

91g

Carbs

23g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Drinks & Cocktails Beef & Red Meat Lamb Recipes Asian Indian Gluten Free One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Main Dish Lamb Sheep Asian Indian One Dish Meal Meat

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Lamb Biryani?

Lamb Biryani takes about 75 minutes from start to finish — roughly 35 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Lamb Biryani?

Lamb Biryani has approximately 772.2 calories per serving, with about 56 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates and 64 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Lamb Biryani?

The key ingredients for Lamb Biryani are Plain Yogurt, Garlic Cloves, Cayenne, Ground Cumin, Black Pepper, Salt. See the full list with measurements above.

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