πππ₯ Chettinad Mutton Biryani
(Traditional One-Pot Version)
A bold, rustic South Indian biryani cooked in one pot β seeraga samba rice, tender mutton,
and the famed Chettinad masala come together in deep, aromatic harmony.
Spice Level: πΆοΈπΆοΈ πΆοΈ High
Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: ~1 hr 15 mins
Serves: 4β6
Calories (approx): ~520 kcal per serving
π One Pot, Thousand Stories
πΏ Introduction
Chettinad Mutton Biryani is a culinary heirloom β 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 β it is a soulful one-pot creation where every grain absorbs pure masala flavor.
βIn Chettinad kitchens, biryani isnβt layered β itβs forged in fire, fragrance, and fearless spice.β
Chettinad Mutton Biryani
(Traditional One-Pot Version)
Photo by Stirred By Spice
π Ingredients
Chettinad Masala Paste (Freshly Ground)
1 tbsp Fennel seeds
1 tsp Black peppercorns
1 tsp Cumin
4β5 Cloves
2 Cardamom
1 small Cinnamon stick
1 Star anise
1 small piece Kalpasi (stone flower)
6β8 Dried red chilies
1 small Onion, chopped
4β5 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
Β½ cup Yogurt
Salt, to taste
Β½ cup Mint, chopped
Β½ cup Cilantro, chopped
Rice
2 cups Seeraga Samba rice (washed, soaked 20 mins)
3Β½ cups Water
Garnish
Extra mint & cilantro
A drizzle of ghee (optional)
π½οΈ 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. SautΓ© 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.
SautΓ© 5β7 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 3Β½ cups water.
Mix gently.5. One-Pot Cooking (Absorption Method)
High heat: 5 mins
Medium heat: 10 mins
Low heat: 12β15 mins
Keep covered throughout.
Rest covered 5 mins before opening.
6. Finish
Fluff gently.
Add ghee + herbs.
π· Optional Serving Notes
Serve with onion raita, cucumber raita, or a simple boiled egg for a classic Chettinad touch.
π¬ Soulful Note
This biryani carries the heart of Chettinad β bold spices, earthy aromas, and the quiet confidence of a recipe that has stood the test of generations.
π Cookβs 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 β rustic, flavorful, and faster.Why masala paste instead of powders?
It gives a richer color, thicker body, and authentic taste.
π Nutrition (Per Serving β Approx.)
Calories 520
Protein 30g
Carbs 55g
Fat 20g
ππΆπ The Bottom Line
Robust, rustic, aromatic β this Chettinad Mutton Biryani captures the soul of South Indian spice cooking in one pot.
𧑠Meet the Heart Behind the Spice
Hi, Iβm Maya Shetty β cook, storyteller, and spice lover.
Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.
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