Bannur mamsa pulao is one of Karnataka’s most celebrated comfort dishes, built around the prized Bannur (or Bandur) sheep from the Mysuru-Mandya region. The meat from this indigenous breed is known for its tenderness and rich flavour, thanks to natural marbling and fat distribution within the muscle. Because of this quality, a traditional mutton recipe like this stands out for its depth of flavour, and the mutton pulao recipe highlights the meat rather than overwhelming it with heavy spices.
Unlike biryani, which relies on layered cooking and bold masalas, Bannur mamsa pulao keeps the spice profile restrained and aromatic. Whole spices, green chilli paste, and freshly ground masalas gently infuse the rice while the mutton cooks slowly, creating a fragrant, balanced dish. This style makes it a distinctive mutton recipe from Karnataka, and the mutton pulao recipe showcases how simplicity and high-quality meat can deliver remarkable flavour.
Another reason this dish has remained a favourite in Karnataka homes and traditional eateries is its practical, one-pot approach. Once the meat is browned and simmered with spices, rice is added to cook together, allowing every grain to absorb the flavourful broth. This method, common in many classic pulao, keeps the process straightforward while delivering depth of taste. As a result, this mutton recipe is perfect for home cooks, and the mutton pulao recipe continues to be served at family gatherings, festive meals, and weekend feasts across the region.
For the marinade:
500 gBannur mutton (bone-in, curry cut)
¼ cupYoghurt
1 tbspGinger-garlic paste
½ tspTurmeric powder
1 tspRed chilli powder
to tasteSalt
For the pulao:
2 cupsBasmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
2 tbspGhee
1 tbspOil
2Bay leaves
4Cloves
2Cardamom pods
1 inchCinnamon stick
1Star anise
2 largeOnion (thinly sliced)
2Tomatoes (chopped)
3Green chillies (slit)
¼ cupFresh mint leaves
¼ cupFresh coriander leaves
3½ cupsWater or stock
to tasteSalt