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A hearty plate of authentic Hyderabadi lamb biryani, with long-grain rice, tender lamb, and fresh herbs | SPICE ROOM Denver
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Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani

ByCulinary TeamLast updated

A royal dish fit for kings - fragrant basmati rice layered with tender spiced lamb, saffron, and aromatic spices.

Hard
Prep: 45 minsCook: 1.5 hoursServes: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
  • 2 cups basmati rice, soaked
  • 2 cups yogurt
  • 3 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup ghee
  • 1/4 cup biryani masala
  • 1 tsp saffron strands
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 6 green cardamom pods
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak saffron in warm milk for 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Fry onions in ghee until deep golden brown. Remove half for garnish.

  3. 3

    Add lamb to remaining onions. Cook until browned. Add yogurt and biryani masala. Cook for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add water to cover lamb. Simmer until lamb is 80% cooked, about 45 minutes.

  5. 5

    Parboil rice with whole spices until 70% cooked. Drain.

  6. 6

    Layer rice over the lamb. Drizzle saffron milk, scatter mint and cilantro.

  7. 7

    Seal pot tightly with foil and lid. Cook on lowest heat for 25 minutes (dum).

  8. 8

    Rest for 10 minutes. Gently mix layers and serve garnished with fried onions.

Chef's Notes

Biryani is the crown jewel of Indian cuisine. This Hyderabadi-style lamb biryani features the traditional ‘dum’ cooking method, where the pot is sealed and the dish cooks in its own steam, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

SPICE ROOM Kitchen, Culinary Team at SPICE ROOM Denver

SPICE ROOM Kitchen

Culinary Team

The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.

Indian Cuisine
Himalayan Cuisine
Home Cooking

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Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani

Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani

Prep: 45 mins · Cook: 1.5 hours · Serves: 6-8

Key ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed, 2 cups basmati rice, soaked, 2 cups yogurt, 3 large onions, thinly sliced, 1/2 cup ghee, 1/4 cup biryani masala…

Get Full Recipe →

Recipe by SPICE ROOM Denver

<blockquote cite="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/hyderabadi-lamb-biryani-recipe" style="max-width:400px;font-family:Georgia,serif;border:1px solid #D4A853;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;margin:1em auto;">
<img src="https://denverspiceroom.com/food/lamb-biryani.webp" alt="Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani" style="width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;" />
<div style="padding:16px;">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:18px;color:#1A1A2E;">Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani</h3>
<p style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:13px;color:#666;">Prep: 45 mins · Cook: 1.5 hours · Serves: 6-8</p>
<p style="margin:0 0 12px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Key ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed, 2 cups basmati rice, soaked, 2 cups yogurt, 3 large onions, thinly sliced, 1/2 cup ghee, 1/4 cup biryani masala…</p>
<a href="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/hyderabadi-lamb-biryani-recipe?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:inline-block;padding:8px 16px;background:#D4A853;color:#1A1A2E;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;">Get Full Recipe →</a>
<p style="margin:8px 0 0;font-size:10px;color:#aaa;">Recipe by <a href="https://denverspiceroom.com?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" style="color:#D4A853;">SPICE ROOM Denver</a></p>
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