White Mutton Yakhni Pulao (Lucknowi Biryani Style)

A delicate, aromatic North Indian rice dish featuring tender mutton simmered in a fragrant stock (yakhni) with whole spices, then layered with Sella Basmati rice. Served with a rich fried onion raita, this pulao is renowned for its subtle flavors and signature white color.

IntermediateNorth Indian (Lucknowi/Kashmiri)Serves 6

Printable version with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h
Prep
1h 25m
Cook
17m
Cleanup
2h 42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

Total cost:$35.30
Per serving:$5.88

Critical Success Points

  • Frying onions until golden (not burnt) for both garnish and raita.
  • Not browning onions or mutton excessively to maintain white color.
  • Simmering mutton gently to extract flavor and clarify stock.
  • Straining and optionally resting the stock for clarity.
  • Sautéing mutton in ghee before adding rice.
  • Cooking rice with correct water ratio and covered with cloth.
  • Resting the pulao before fluffing and serving.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when frying onions in hot oil to avoid burns.
  • Handle hot pots and steam carefully when removing lids.
  • Ensure mutton is fully cooked to avoid foodborne illness.