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Indian Lamb Biryani

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Indian Lamb Biryani is a casserole of tender lamb curry and fragrant saffron rice, two outstanding dishes combined into one - perfect for a family gathering or a dinner party. Serve with cooling cucumber raita to complement biryani's warm curry flavors.

plate with a serving of lamb biryani and a very long windy sprig of mint. A small blob of yogurt raita on the side.

Biryani is a crown jewel of Indian cuisine - a heavenly one-pot rice dish with layers of meat, fish, chicken or vegetables, amazing spices and irresistible curry flavors.

When my husband and I lived in London for two years, we had a great local Indian restaurant to satisfy our Biryani cravings but ultimately I wanted (needed!) to learn how to master this masterpiece of a dish at home.

Developing this Indian Lamb Biryani recipe was a labor of love. It took a lot of research and experimentation to get it just right and it's one of my proudest achievements as a recipe developer. I can't wait for you to try it!

Journey To The Perfect Homemade Biryani:

It all started when I was invited by a friend to take a cooking class and I got to choose the dish we cooked. I picked biryani. We learned to make a quick biryani with boneless chicken and precooked rice. It was fun to prepare, very tasty, and left me hungry for more.

I came home and pulled every international cookbook and Indian cookbook off my shelves... I scoured the internet....and the cooking began. My (poor? lucky?) family had biryani for dinner three nights in a row.

This dish is definitely not in the "quick and easy" genre of recipes, but it's SO worth the effort.

lamb biryani with saffron rice on a plate with a blog of yogurt cucumber raita and two curling sprigs of mint.

While there are several steps to achieving an excellent biryani, this recipe is carefully crafted with easy to follow, step by step instructions so that any level of cook can create restaurant-style Biryani at home. Plus we have a new video in the recipe card below, so you can also watch how to make it.

Here's what I love about this Lamb Biryani Recipe:

  • Magnificent Spices - it's a joy to prepare this dish, building the layers of flavor using both ground and whole spices. From ground paprika, turmeric and garam masala to whole cinnamon sticks, saffron threads and cardamom pods, when you cook with all of these beautiful spices, it's easy to see why this dish is so incredibly flavorful.
  • Heavenly aromas - Throughout the cooking process, the house fills up with the most incredible aromas, a teaser for the deliciousness to come.
  • Foolproof perfection: This lamb biryani recipe uses the "Pakki" or "cooked" method, which offers exceptional control over the final dish. You will pre-cook the fragrant saffron rice and flavorful lamb curry separately, ensuring each element reaches perfect texture and doneness before you layer the two together for baking. This method is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks, as it minimizes the risk of undercooked rice or overcooked meat.
  • Great for dinner parties - An exquisite, elegant meal in one pot that you can prepare ahead of time.

How to make Indian Lamb Biryani

Follow these 5 simple steps for the perfect lamb biryani, with fall-apart tender lamb in rich flavorful tomato curry with fluffy saffron rice.

Step 1 - Marinate the Lamb: roughly chop fresh ginger and garlic and then puree it in a food processor. Toss the cubes of lamb with ginger-garlic paste and marinate in the fridge for at least a half hour and up to twenty-four hours.

making ginger garlic paste in a food proccessor.
Cubes of lamb in a glass bowl topped with ginger garlic paste

Step 2 - (While the lamb is marinating) Rinse and Soak the Rice. Put rice into a fine mesh colander and immerse the colander in a bowl of water. Swish the rice around to release excess starch and then lift the colander and pour off the cloudy water. Repeat this process several times and then cover the rice with water and leave it to soak for an hour, to soften.

Rinsing and soaking the rice are both important steps for perfect biryani. Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and clumping together. Soaking softens the grains, ensuring they cook evenly, and avoids any unwanted hard bits in your final dish.

Rice in a colander filled with water, a hand swishing the rice around.

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Step 3 - (While the rice is soaking) Make the Lamb Curry: Sauté onions until tender and caramelized. Add them to a large heavy pot or Dutch oven. Next sauté the marinated lamb until it's browned on all sides and then add it to the pot with the onions.

Sautéed red onions in a dutch oven.
Cubes of lamb browning in a cast iron skillet

Heat tomato sauce and spices in the same pan you used to brown the lamb, stirring to release any stuck browned bits of meat into the sauce. Pour the sauce into the pot with the lamb and onions, and simmer until tender, about 35 minutes.

tomato sauce in a cast iron skillet with assorted spices in the center.
lamb curry simmering in a dutch oven.

Step 4 - While the lamb curry is simmering, Prepare the Saffron Rice. Measure out the saffron and gather the whole spices together in a small bowl.

spices for biryani in a glass bowl. cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cumin seeds, cardamom pods
saffron on a measuring spoon.

In a saucepan, toast the whole spices in ghee or butter - cumin seeds, cardamom pods, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks - until fragrant.

Add the saffron threads, rice and water. Simmer the rice, uncovered, for just a few minutes, to par-cook it.

small saucepan with whole spice; cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, and sliced red onions, and a hand holding a pile of saffron threads.
Small saucepan filled with rice, sauted nions and whole spices, water being poured in from a measuring cup.

Step 5 - Layer and bake. Start by spreading half the lamb curry in the bottom of a casserole pan. Add a half of the par-cooked rice on top. Repeat the two layers. Then cover the casserole with heavy foil and bake.

An rectangular casserole pan with a layer of lamb curry being added on top of a layer of saffron rice, the back of a tablespoon evening out the curry.
Casserole pan filled with lamb biryani, topped with foil with a corner of the foil lifed so the rice layer is seen beneath.

Saffron in Biryani

Biryani has a long list of wonderful spices but one ingredient truly elevates it to new heights is saffron.

Saffron is an aromatic spice that consists of the delicate stigmas of a saffron crocus flower. It's a very popular spice in Indian cuisine and a key component of Indian lamb biryani.

In this dish, saffron gives the rice its beautiful yellow-orange color and infuses it with that unique and exotic flavor that words can't describe. Some say it tastes like a combination of honey and straw, but I don't think that description does it justice.

Saffron is one of the world's most expensive spices but luckily it only takes a little bit to flavor a whole lamb biryani.

Rectangular casserole filled with Indian lamb biryani, the top layer of saffron colored rice showing with a curvy pepper garnishing the center and two cinnamon sticks.

This lamb biryani recipe is packed with deep and exciting flavors and a good amount of heat. It's definitely dinner-party worthy!

What to serve with biryani

Raita is the traditional accompaniment for biryani. Cooling, creamy, cucumber-mint raita is the perfect complement the richness and heat of this dish. Your palate will thank you!

If you enjoy cooking Indian food at home, here are a few other great recipes to try:

If you try this Indian lamb biryani recipe, I hope you'll come back to leave a star rating and a comment. I'd love to know what you think!

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Recipe

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plate with a serving of lamb biryani and a very long windy sprig of mint. A small blob of yogurt raita on the side.

Indian Lamb Biryani Recipe

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4.8 from 48 reviews

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Description

Adapted from many sources but mostly from 600 Curries by Raghavan Lyer

A sumptuous casserole of tender lamb curry with saffron spiced rice with cucumber-mint raita on the side. (See the video below) 

Ingredients

Units Scale

LAMB MARINADE:

  • 5 tablespoons roughly chopped ginger root (5-inch by 2-inch piece or so)
  • 3 tablespoons roughly chopped garlic (6-7 large garlic cloves)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • A few grinds of fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, fat trimmed off, cut into 1-inch cubes

RICE:

  • 2 cups basmati rice (Indian is best)

LAMB CURRY:

  • 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
  • ¼ to ¾ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (depending on how hot you like it)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet, not hot)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium red or yellow onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced

SAFFRON RICE:

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 4 cardamom pods
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 red onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon (heaping) saffron threads (about 1 gram or .04 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

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Instructions

  1. Make 1 batch Cucumber Raita per this recipe  

MARINATE LAMB:

  1. Pulse ginger and garlic in a food processor a couple of times. Scrape down the sides. Add 3-4 tablespoons water and pulse until you get a paste, scraping down sides as needed. (If you do this in your blender, add the water right away - expect lots of scraping down the sides).
  2. Marinate lamb - toss lamb, garlic-ginger paste, salt and pepper in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for a half hour or so (more is fine).

RINSE AND SOAK RICE:

  1. Put rice in a fine mesh colander and put the colander into a large bowl. Cover rice with cold water. Swish rice around for a few seconds, lift the colander and pour off the cloudy water. Repeat 3 or 4 times, until the water is fairly clear.
  2. Cover rice with cold water by 2 inches and leave for an hour, to soften, then drain.

MAKE THE LAMB CURRY:

  1. While the lamb is marinating and the rice is soaking, combine tomato sauce, cayenne, paprika, salt, turmeric and garam masala in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat in a large heavy Dutch oven or other oven-ready pot with a cover. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons oil to the pot and turn the heat to medium-high. Add half the lamb with its garlic-ginger coating and cook for 5 minutes or so, tossing occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides. Transfer browned lamb to the plate with the onions. Brown the rest of the lamb, adding more oil, if necessary. Return the reserved lamb and the onions to the pot. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release the stuck browned bits of lamb into the sauce. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the lamb is tender. Remove from heat.

MAKE THE SAFFRON RICE:

  1. Make the saffron rice while lamb curry is simmering - Heat 2 tablespoons ghee or butter in a medium sized saucepan. Add spices: cumin seeds, cardamom pods, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks. Cook until they sizzle and you can smell the cumin toasting, about 30 seconds. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, 3-4 minutes, until starting to brown. Add saffron by rubbing it between your fingers and letting the bits fall into the pot. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, until the saffron releases its color and aroma.
  2. Add drained rice and toss to coat. Pour in 2 cups cold water and 2 teaspoons salt. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook 5-6 minutes, uncovered, until all the water has evaporated. Remove from heat. Rice will be partially cooked.

ASSEMBLE BIRYANI AND BAKE:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  2. Spread half the lamb curry in the bottom of a medium-sized casserole dish. Cover with half the rice. Repeat the layers. Cover with the lid or with a double layer of foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes until heated through.
  3. Serve Biryani with cucumber raita and note that the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods are not meant to be eaten. Remove them or tell people to be on the lookout for them.

Notes

  • Using a separate pot for sautéing: This recipe calls for cooking the lamb curry in the same pot used to sauté the lamb and onions while the video below demonstrates using a separate cast iron skillet for the sautéing step. I've used both methods with great success. The one pot method minimizes cleanup. The skillet, with its shallower sides, offers slightly better browning of the meat, since less steam is trapped. Choose the method that best suits your preference.
  • If you want to prepare this biryani ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it in the fridge, tightly covered, and either bring it to room temperature before baking or add 5-10 minutes onto the baking time.
  • Covering the casserole with pastry: Traditional Indian lamb biryani uses a sheet of pastry to cover the casserole pan. If you would like to use this method, you'll need to thaw a sheet of frozen puff pastry and roll it out on a floured surface until it's two inches wider and longer than your casserole. Drape it over the casserole and press it securely around the outside edges, making sure it's well-sealed. Bake, as per the directions above. When you serve the biryani you can add a bit of the pastry to each plate. 
  • Nutrition Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate nutrition values using an online nutrition calculator however our nutrition information should only be used as an approximation.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course - Dinner
  • Method: Oven, stove top
  • Cuisine: Indian

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, please let me know how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on instagram with the hashtag #panningtheglobe

This recipe was first published on Panning The Globe on October 3, 2014. The recipe and post have been refreshed and updated with more pertinent information and new photos. The recipe has been improved with clearer directions and a recipe video has been added so you can watch how to make this.

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  1. Emmanuel

    Amazing recipe. Limited the amount Cayenne pepper to about the minimum, and it is was enough for the kids to feel and enjoy the chilli-ness.
    Only one change. The effectiveness of a marinade is often improved by adding something acidic (e.g. yoghurt, lemon...). I added a good splash (about 1/4 of a cup) of cider vinegar to the marinade. Great result for a bit more tanguiness and sweetness.

    Reply

    • Lisa

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the Biryani, and thanks for the tips about the marinade - I'll give it a try with cider vinegar next time!

      Reply

  2. T.R.

    I love how you lay out all of the steps to making this somewhat complex dish I am looking forward to
    making it soon. I am also so glad that I came across your site. I really enjoy foods from around the world.
    Thanks

    Reply

  3. Ed Clarke

    I tried this recipe recently and, frankly, I was disappointed. Not because of the individual recipes and instructions for the lamb curry and the basmati rice were less than excellent, but because they each for my tastes tasted better separately than combined. Separately both the curry and the rice were fabulous. The curry had a deep, complex flavor and a long finish, something that I always look for in a curry. And the rice was aromatic like a good basmati rice should be with all the grains fluffy and separate, plus the added complexity of the spices.

    But together I thought that the whole was less than the sum of its parts. Layering and baking the two ingredients seemed to dry them out, particularly the rice, (perhaps I baked them too long, although I don't remember baking them for more than 35 minutes). But the flavors, which were rich and distinctive separately, seemed to become less vibrant and more subdued. And I thought that the combined dish looked dull when compared with the separate bright red of the curry and the contrast between the curry and the white of the rice. Oh well, I'm looking forward to making the recipe again but this time I'll have the curry and the rice separately. I would be curious if anyone who has tried it also preferred the ingredients separately.

    And I also thought that the texture of the cucumber raita was too thick, at least when compared with the raitas that I have in Indian restaurants. But perhaps, since the flavor was very good, it's just that I prefer what I am used to rather than what's more authentic. I tried thinning it with some milk but it was still too thick for my taste. But, like I said, that's just a personal preference.

    Thanks very much for the recipe. I can't wait to serve the individual components to an Indian friend of mine and see what she thinks.

    Reply

    • Lisa

      Ed, I so appreciate the time and thoughtfulness you put into this review. I'm sorry you were disappointed in the dish as a whole but I'm happy you enjoyed the individual components. I'm thrilled that you're going to make it again and share it with your Indian friend. I hope you stick with the recipe and find your own favorite way to enjoy it. And I hope you'll keep me posted if you try any other Panning The Globe recipes.

      Reply

  4. Reji

    I use to love Biryani soo much before but after my marriage every gathering I went to served Biryani and got so bored eating it but now after reading ur blog I am craving for it again...

    Reply

    • Lisa

      I'm glad to hear that! I hope you'll cook it and enjoy!!

      Reply

  5. sarah

    Hi do I put tomato sauce or tomato paste.

    Reply

  6. Wendy

    Took my 11 year old nephew to the local spice shop to get all the spices and to the market for all the groceries. The lamb is marinating in the fridge marinating. He is psyched out of his mind to cook and eat this tomorrow!! Thanks much!!

    Reply

    • Lisa

      How fun to shop for spices and ingredients with your nephew and then cook together. Is he a budding chef? I hope you all enjoyed a scrumptious dinner!

      Reply

  7. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

    This is one of my favorite Indian dishes - your recipe looks fantastic!

    Reply

  8. Jan

    Awesome recipe - not too hard, yet absolutel delicious. The only minus is that it always takes me three hours to make, otherwise I'd eat it all the time

    Reply

  9. Paul

    I have had this and it is probably my favorite recipe.

    Reply

  10. Dave K

    I made this biryani for my family this evening. It came out absolutely delicious. This is easily my favorite biryani recipe yet. Even the raita came out great. My family says "restaurant quality, dad...restaurant quality".

    Thanks for putting this recipe together. It is a winner for sure.

    Reply

    • Lisa

      Thanks for your comment Dave! I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed the Biryani. It's one of our family favorites! My son Paul requests it all the time.

      Reply

      • JOHANATHAN PILLAY

        Hi LISA WHAT WILL IT COST TO MAKE LAMB BIRYANI FOR A FAMILY OF 6 I'M GOING TO TRY IT WHILST MY WIFE IS AT WORK THE ONLY REASON I'M ASKING BECAUSE I'M UNEMPLOYED

      • Mumtaz

        Lamb, if you go to a butcher shop will cost you about 10/11 dollars per pound. But if you are lucky enough to have a halal butcher in your area it is much cheaper. The other ingredients can be quite expensive. But if you go to a fredmeyers Wal-Mart winco etc stores they have bulk spices making it much cheaper

  11. Chris Crooks

    Deb and I had this last night. Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  12. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl

    This is absolutely stunning! My husband and I love lamb - definitely going to try this recipe...love all of those spices.

    Reply

  13. Carol at Wild Goose Tea

    Some fun artsy photos. I like them. I also like the recipe. I live about 2 hrs away from an Indian restaurant. I am in craving mode big time. Good thing I am spending the weekend in Seattle in about 10 days AND my friends were groovin' with having Indian food too. Your post just whets my appetite.

    Reply

  14. Marnie

    ohhhhh i love Lamb Biryani. It's the rice. And the sauce. And maybe the lamb. I don't know if I will attempt to make this at home but I love reading the recipe to appreciate what goes into make such a beautiful dish.

    Reply

  15. Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ)

    Oh, I love biryani and especially lamb and this looks like a great recipe - was just wondering what to have for dinner tonight and I think you have solved the problem:)

    Reply

    • Lisa Goldfinger

      Glad to help, Rachel 🙂

      Reply

  16. Chris Crooks

    This looks amazing. Deb and I are big Indian food fans. I have my Sunday night meal now. Can't wait.

    Reply

    • Lisa Goldfinger

      Eddie and I love Indian food, too. Happy eating to you and Deb!

      Reply