
This hearty mutton and green lentil pulao is a comforting one-pot rice dish layered with warm whole spices, tender potatoes, and fragrant basmati rice. It is rich, filling, and ideal for a family meal when you want something deeply savory and satisfying.
Rinse the green lentils well, then simmer them in a small amount of water for 5 minutes until just partially cooked. Drain and set aside. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs mostly clear, soak it for 20 minutes, then drain.



Blend the ginger, garlic, and green chilies into a coarse paste. Slice the onion and keep the whole spices ready: black peppercorns, cloves, green cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon.



Heat the oil in a pressure cooker or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and whole spices, and cook until the onion turns deep golden brown.



Add the mutton and 1 tbsp salt, then saute for several minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the chopped tomato, coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and the ginger-garlic-chili paste.



Cook the mutton until tender and the oil begins to separate from the masala. If using a pressure cooker, cook until the meat is soft; if using a regular pot, add a little water as needed and simmer until tender. Add the potatoes and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.



Transfer the mutton curry to a large heavy pot if needed. Add the soaked rice and par-cooked lentils, then gently mix. Pour in 4 1/2 cups water, add the remaining 1 tbsp salt, and bring to a steady simmer over medium heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.



When most of the liquid has been absorbed, cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, covered, for another 10 minutes before opening. Fluff gently and serve hot with a simple onion, tomato, cucumber, chili, lemon, and coriander salad.


You can use beef instead of mutton, but chicken will need a shorter cooking time. Do not fully cook the lentils before adding them to the rice or they may turn mushy. For the best texture, let the pulao rest after cooking so the grains finish steaming and stay separate. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.