Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani Recipe – Royal Nawabi Style

If you are a biryani lover, then Lucknowi Biryani (also called Awadhi Biryani) is a must-try dish for your table. Originating from the royal kitchens of the Nawabs of Lucknow, this biryani is famous for its dum cooking method, subtle aromatic spices, and the perfectly balanced flavor of basmati rice with tender, juicy meat. Unlike the spicier Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi Biryani is more fragrant, mild, and delicately flavored — making it a royal treat for any occasion.

This recipe will show you how to make authentic Lucknowi Mutton Biryani at home using traditional Awadhi cooking techniques.

🛒 Ingredients for Lucknowi (Awadhi) Mutton Biryani

(Serves 4–5 people)

For the Mutton

• Mutton (goat meat) – 500g, bone-in pieces

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Yogurt – 1 cup (thick & fresh)

• Biryani masala – 2 tbsp (homemade or store-bought)

• Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

For the Rice

• Basmati rice – 2 cups (aged, long grain)

• Water – as needed for boiling

• Bay leaf – 2

• Green cardamom – 4

• Cloves – 4

• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch

• Star anise – 1 (optional)

• Salt – 1 tbsp

For the Dum Layering

• Saffron strands – 10–12 (soaked in ¼ cup warm milk)

• Ghee (clarified butter) – 4 tbsp

• Fried onions (birista) – 1 cup

• Fresh mint leaves – ¼ cup

• Fresh coriander leaves – ¼ cup

• Rose water – ½ tsp

• Kewra water – ½ tsp

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Mutton

1. Wash and pat dry the mutton pieces.

2. In a large bowl, add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.

3. Mix well and coat the mutton pieces evenly.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Tip: This step helps the mutton absorb all the flavors and become tender during cooking.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. Wash basmati rice gently 3–4 times until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.

2. Boil water in a large pot with bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and salt.

3. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70% done (it will cook further during dum).

4. Drain the rice and keep aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Mutton Gravy

1. Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed handi or deep pan.

2. Add marinated mutton and cook on medium flame for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add ½ cup water, cover, and cook until mutton is 80% cooked and the gravy is thick.

Step 4 – Layer the Biryani (Dum Pukht Method)

1. In the handi with mutton gravy, spread half of the parboiled rice.

2. Sprinkle half of the fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron milk, rose water, and kewra water.

3. Add the remaining rice and repeat the toppings.

4. Drizzle the remaining ghee over the top.

Step 5 – Seal and Cook on Dum

1. Cover the handi with a tight lid.

2. Seal the edges with wheat dough to trap the steam (optional but authentic).

3. Cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes, placing a tawa (griddle) under the handi to avoid burning.

4. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Step 6 – Serve the Royal Lucknowi Biryani

• Gently fluff up the biryani with a fork.

• Serve hot with raita, salad, and papad.

• Enjoy the royal aroma and delicate flavors of authentic Awadhi Biryani.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Accompaniments: Boondi raita, onion-tomato salad, roasted papad, and mint chutney.

• Occasions: Weddings, Eid celebrations, family gatherings, or weekend special dinners.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Lucknowi Biryani

• Use aged basmati rice for longer grains and better aroma.

• Do not overcook rice; keep it slightly underdone before dum cooking.

• For vegetarian Lucknowi Biryani, replace mutton with paneer or mixed vegetables.

• Always cook on low heat during dum for even flavor infusion.

This Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani recipe combines royal flavors, fragrant spices, and the traditional dum pukht technique — making it the best biryani recipe for anyone who wants to enjoy a truly authentic Indian biryani at home.