Bigg Boss 17 Winner Munawar Faruqui’s Favourite Mutton Pulao Recipe

Munawar Faruqui, the recent winner of the highly popular reality show Bigg Boss 17, captured the hearts of millions with his wit, charm, and unwavering spirit. While his journey in the Bigg Boss house was filled with emotional highs and lows, one thing that remained a constant was his love for good food, particularly his favorite dish – the aromatic and flavorful Mutton Pulao.

For those unfamiliar with this delectable dish, Mutton Pulao is a classic rice-based preparation that combines succulent pieces of mutton (goat meat) with fragrant spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It is a beloved dish in many parts of India and is often served on special occasions or as a comforting meal for family gatherings.

In this article, we’ll delve into the recipe for Munawar Faruqui’s favorite Mutton Pulao, a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also holds a special place in his heart and memories.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton (goat meat), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 4 cups water or mutton stock
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Mutton: In a bowl, combine the mutton pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor).
2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Mutton: In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let the spices sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add the Marinated Mutton: Carefully add the marinated mutton to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the meat is lightly browned on all sides.
5. Tomato Masala: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they release their juices and become slightly mushy. Sprinkle in the garam masala and mix well.
6. Cook the Mutton: If using a pressure cooker, add the required amount of water or mutton stock and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles on high heat, then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes. If cooking in a pot, add the water or stock, cover with a lid, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the mutton is tender and cooked through.
7. Prepare the Pulao: Once the mutton is cooked, add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Gently mix to combine the rice with the mutton masala. If needed, add more water or stock to adjust the consistency. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
8. Final Touches: Once the pulao is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on. This step allows the rice to

fluff up and absorb any remaining moisture. Gently fluff the pulao with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot and fragrant Mutton Pulao with a side of raita (yogurt-based dip), salad, or your choice of accompaniments. This dish is best enjoyed with loved ones, creating memories and savoring the rich flavors together.

Munawar Faruqui’s Connection to Mutton Pulao

For Munawar Faruqui, Mutton Pulao holds a special place in his heart, reminiscent of his childhood and family gatherings. As a young boy growing up in a small town in Gujarat, he fondly remembers his mother’s delicious Mutton Pulao, which was often prepared for special occasions or when the entire family gathered together.

The aroma of the spices wafting through the kitchen and the sight of the golden, fluffy rice dotted with tender pieces of mutton would fill Munawar with excitement and anticipation. It was a dish that brought his family together, creating cherished memories around the dining table.

Even during his time in the Bigg Boss house, Munawar frequently expressed his longing for his mother’s Mutton Pulao, a dish that not only satisfied his taste buds but also provided him with a sense of comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar environment.

By sharing this recipe, Munawar hopes to inspire others to create their own special memories around this beloved dish, just as he did during his childhood. It’s a testament to the power of food in bringing people together and creating lasting bonds.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While Munawar Faruqui’s favorite Mutton Pulao recipe is a classic and authentic version, there are numerous variations and serving suggestions that can be explored:

1. Vegetarian/Vegan Options: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can substitute the mutton with vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of mutton stock.
2. Regional Twists: Different regions of India have their own unique ways of preparing pulao. For instance, in the Awadhi cuisine of Uttar Pradesh, the pulao is often flavored with saffron and kewra water, while in the Hyderabadi style, it’s cooked with a blend of spices like shahi jeera (caraway seeds) and dry coconut.
3. Protein Alternatives: Instead of mutton, you can also try this recipe with chicken, beef, or even shrimp for a different twist.
4. Accompaniments: Serve the Mutton Pulao with a variety of accompaniments like raita (yogurt-based dip), pachadi (a tangy vegetable chutney), or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.
5. Leftovers: Leftover Mutton Pulao can be repurposed into delicious dishes like pulao kebabs, pulao patties, or even a flavorful pulao fried rice.

Munawar Faruqui’s Mutton Pulao recipe is a heartwarming celebration of food, family, and cherished memories. It’s a dish that transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together, one fragrant bite at a time. So, gather your loved ones, follow this recipe, and create your own special moments around this beloved dish, just as Munawar did throughout his life.