๐๐๐ฅ Chettinad Mutton Biryani
(Traditional One-Pot Version)
A bold, rustic South Indian biryani cooked in one pot โ seeraga samba rice, tender mutton,
and the famed Chettinad masala come together in deep, aromatic harmony.
Spice Level: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ ๐ถ๏ธ High
Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: ~1 hr 15 mins
Serves: 4โ6
Calories (approx): ~520 kcal per serving
๐ One Pot, Thousand Stories
๐ฟ Introduction
Chettinad Mutton Biryani is a culinary heirloom โ an earthy, fire-kissed biryani infused with freshly ground spices,
roasted aromatics, and the smoky magic of seeraga samba rice.
This is not a layered biryani โ it is a soulful one-pot creation where every grain absorbs pure masala flavor.
โIn Chettinad kitchens, biryani isnโt layered โ itโs forged in fire, fragrance, and fearless spice.โ
Chettinad Mutton Biryani
(Traditional One-Pot Version)
Photo by Stirred By Spice
๐ Ingredients
Chettinad Masala Paste (Freshly Ground)
1 tbsp Fennel seeds
1 tsp Black peppercorns
1 tsp Cumin
4โ5 Cloves
2 Cardamom
1 small Cinnamon stick
1 Star anise
1 small piece Kalpasi (stone flower)
6โ8 Dried red chilies
1 small Onion, chopped
4โ5 Garlic cloves
1-inch Ginger
1 Tomato, chopped
(Grind to a thick paste with minimal water.)
Mutton Base
600 g Mutton (bone-in preferred)
3 tbsp Oil or ghee
2 Onions, thinly sliced
2 Green chilies, slit
ยฝ cup Yogurt
Salt, to taste
ยฝ cup Mint, chopped
ยฝ cup Cilantro, chopped
Rice
2 cups Seeraga Samba rice (washed, soaked 20 mins)
3ยฝ cups Water
Garnish
Extra mint & cilantro
A drizzle of ghee (optional)
๐ฝ๏ธ Instructions
1. Prepare the Chettinad Masala Paste
Roast whole spices lightly, then grind with onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes into a thick, deep-brown paste.
2. Sautรฉ the Aromatics
Heat oil/ghee in a heavy pot.
Add sliced onions + green chilies.
Fry until deep golden and fragrant.3. Cook the Mutton Base
Add the ground Chettinad masala paste.
Sautรฉ 5โ7 mins until oil separates.
Add mutton + yogurt + salt.
Cook until mutton is partially tender and coated in masala.4. Add Rice + Water
Add soaked seeraga samba rice + mint + cilantro.
Pour 3ยฝ cups water.
Mix gently.5. One-Pot Cooking (Absorption Method)
High heat: 5 mins
Medium heat: 10 mins
Low heat: 12โ15 mins
Keep covered throughout.
Rest covered 5 mins before opening.
6. Finish
Fluff gently.
Add ghee + herbs.
If you enjoyed this biryani recipe, try my
๐ท Optional Serving Notes
Serve with onion raita, cucumber raita, or a simple boiled egg for a classic Chettinad touch.
๐ฌ Soulful Note
This biryani carries the heart of Chettinad โ bold spices, earthy aromas, and the quiet confidence of a recipe that has stood the test of generations.
๐ Cookโs Wisdom / FAQs
Cook's Wisdom
Tip: For flavorful biryani, marinate mutton overnight.
Why Seeraga Samba?
It absorbs masala deeply and enhances the Chettinad aroma.Why no layering?
Chettinad biryani is traditionally one-pot โ rustic, flavorful, and faster.Why masala paste instead of powders?
It gives a richer color, thicker body, and authentic taste.
๐ Nutrition (Per Serving โ Approx.)
Calories 520
Protein 30g
Carbs 55g
Fat 20g
๐๐ถ๐ The Bottom Line
Robust, rustic, aromatic โ this Chettinad Mutton Biryani captures the soul of South Indian spice cooking in one pot.
๐งก Meet the Heart Behind the Spice
Hi, Iโm Maya Shetty โ cook, storyteller, and spice lover.
Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart โ where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.
๐ฌ Iโd Love to Hear From You!
Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below โ I read every message.
ยฉ 2025 Stirred By Spice | Designed with warmth ๐ถ๏ธ & storiess ๐ช. All rights reserved