Zurbian Mutton - Yemeni Biryani

Name: Zurbian Mutton - Yemeni Biryani
Total time: 2700 s
Yield: 5-6 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 medium cubed Potatoes; 1 kg Mutton bone-in; 500 ml Curd; 2-3 tbsp Ginger Garlic Green Chilli paste; 1/2 tsp Caraway seeds; 3 Green Cardamoms; 1 Black Cardamom; 1 (5 cm) Cinnamon stick; 5-6 Cloves; 2 Bay Leaves; 1 tbsp Coriander seeds; 1 tbsp Cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder; 10-12 Black Peppercorns; 1 tsp Paprika powder; 1 tsp Salt; 8-10 strands Saffron (soaked in little milk)

ZMA @zesty5

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#cookpadindia
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Zurbian is a popular Yemeni dish actually a flavourful Biryani with Mutton and Potatoes. Basically meat is used and is a perfect Non-Veg Rice dish often made with Lamb or Goat. However it can be made with Beef and Chicken as well for an excellent variation.
The ground masala is a flavourful one with so many whole spices all gathered together. Potatoes are added for an excellent texture and flavour profile.

Zurbian is a great option for special occasions, festivities, weekend special Dinners, family gatherings etc. A beautiful one for close knit family reunions and parties as well. A perfect accompaniment for sure. It's absolutely refreshing, flavourful and aromatic. Basmati Rice lends it an amazing texture and flavour too. All in all, a lovely dish for the whole family. Infact a one pot wonder meal that can be whipped up easily and effortlessly without too much of preparation and tremendous versatility. It would be lived by all. It's not too spicy nor too bland. A perfectly cooked meal to the core. Let's get started then with the recipe straight away.

Enjoy Cooking with Zeen!

ZMA @zesty5

Enjoy Cooking with Zeen!

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Ingredients

40-45 minutes

5-6 servings

2medium cubed Potatoes
1 kgMutton bone-in
500 mlCurd
2-3 tbspGinger Garlic Green Chilli paste
Masala for marination -
1/2 tspCaraway seeds
3Green Cardamoms
1Black Cardamom
1 (5 cm)Cinnamon stick
5-6Cloves
2Bay Leaves
1 tbspCoriander seeds
1 tbspCumin seeds
1/2 tspTurmeric powder
1/4 tspNutmeg powder
10-12Black Peppercorns
1 tspPaprika powder
1 tspSalt
For the final topping -
8-10 strandsSaffron (soaked in little milk)

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Steps

40-45 minutes

1

Grind the masala ingredients as mentioned to a fine powder. Marinate mutton bone-in with this masala prepared along with beaten curd and half of the fried onions overnight for best results.
2

Peel and cut potatoes, then deep fry until golden. Set aside. Also deep fry onions and set aside.
3

Boil rice with bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, and caraway seeds until al dente. Drain.
4

Cook marinated mutton until tender.
5

In a pot, layer cooked mutton, deep-fried potatoes and rice. Slow cooking mutton is the key to a perfect Zurbian. Alternatively one can pressure cook it as well. And then layer it accordingly.
6

Cover and steam on low heat for a good 30 minutes. Top with saffron milk.
7

Serve this lip-smacking homemade Zurbian piping hot alongside Salad and Raita. Enjoy!

Tips

Ensure the Mutton is well-marinated for at least 12 hours for the best flavour. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

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ZMA @zesty5

on October 15, 2025 17:56

Homemaker by choice and a passionate cook by heart. An aspiring cook who actually never knew anything about Cooking until i became a mother myself.With Motherhood came the responsibilities as well and this was the turning point in my life.I started to learn the ABC's of cooking, taking help from my mother and my MIL. And time just flew. I spread my wings higher and higher. With my love for excellence and innovation, i stepped into a world of homecooks with my exposure to Cookpad one fine day on the social media. And there was no looking back since then and i have not only shared recipes here on this wonderful platform but also have made some lovely friends as well. Today iam successful because of my hard work, dedication and loads of good wishes of my family and my kids in particular.