Yakhni Pulao

mutton

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than mutton.

ghee

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: butter

Olive oil is healthier, while butter is often more accessible.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt offers a similar tang with more protein.

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain alternative, while long-grain rice is often less expensive.

Soak basmati rice in water for 30 minutes.

Heat ghee in a large pot over medium heat until melted.

Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Stir in ginger and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add mutton and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Mix in yogurt and green chilies, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Add whole spices, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves; stir well.

Pour in enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until mutton is tender, about 1-1.5 hours.

Remove mutton and strain the broth, discarding the solids.

Return broth to the pot and bring to a boil again.

Add soaked rice to the boiling broth and stir gently.

Layer the cooked mutton over the rice and cover the pot.

Reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, until rice is fluffy.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and mint before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: