What is dum?

Dum, also known as dum pukht, is a cooking technique that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is commonly used in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine. The word "dum" means "breathe in" or "inhale", which refers to the cooking process where food is cooked in a sealed container over low heat to allow the food to slowly cook in its own juices and absorb the flavors of the spices and aromatics.

During the cooking process, a dough made of flour and water is used to seal the lid of the container to prevent any steam from escaping. This helps to infuse the food with the flavors of the spices and other ingredients added to the dish. Dum cooking is typically used for dishes like biryanis, curries, and stews, where the cooking technique enhances the texture and flavor of the food.

Dum cooking is a slow and gentle cooking technique that requires patience and attention to detail. The cooking time for dum dishes can be several hours to allow the flavors to fully develop and the food to become tender and flavorful. Dum cooking continues to be a popular technique in South Asian cuisine and is enjoyed by food enthusiasts all around the world.