Mutton Posto Biryani

Grind to a paste the roughly chopped onion, ginger, garlic and green chilies to a smooth paste. Cook the rice along with some salt till it is 80 percent done. Drain and keep aside.

Curry - Marinate the mutton with the ground paste, 1 tbsp. oil and all the dry spices (except garam masala powder) for a minimum of 3-4 hours or preferably overnight.

Heat remaining oil in a pan / kadai and temper with bay leaves, dry red chilies, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, mace and sugar. Saute for a few seconds.

Add the onion and stir fry till light brown. Now add the marinated mutton and cook, covered on a low flame till the oil separates.

Add 1 cup water and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes on a low flame after the first whistle.

Bring it back into the pan and add the poppy seeds paste and cashew nut paste. Mix well and cook, covered for 5-10 minutes on a medium flame.

Add the garam masala, kewra water and ghee. Give it a stir and continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes more or till the gravy is thick.

Biryani - In an oven proof dish layer the mutton posto curry and top it up with the rice. Sprinkle the coriander leaves, mint leaves, fried onions and the colour. Cover with a lid and bake for 10-15 minutes at 180 degrees C.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with boiled eggs, onion rings and lemon wedges. Serve with raita for a sumptuous lunch / dinner.