Dum Biryani

I learnt how to do “DUM” in my cookery class. Dum basically means is to “slow cook in pressure”, So all we need is a container that can be sealed and low flame.

In India, the sealing is done using dough. I shall explain a few more ways too.

1. 1. Dum is done by covering the gap between the lid and container using dough and keeping the container above low flame.
   2. Dum can also be done using a heavy material such as a large pot filled with water on top of the lid and keeping the container above low flame.
   3.Dum can also be done using a heavy heated tawa on top of the lid. This helps in the circulation of the steam

Ingredients:

2 cups	Basmati Rice, Boiled to perfection
3 cups	Vegetables of your choice (Carrots, potatoes, peas, mushrooms, french beans and/or beet root), diced
1/2 cup	Onions, chopped
2	Bay Leaves
2	Cloves
4	Cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon	Ginger, garlic paste
2	Green Chilies, sliced diagonally
1/2 cup	Curd
1 cup	Milk
	Few strands of saffron
2 teaspoons	Butter
1 teaspoon	Turmeric Powder
2 teaspoons	Red Chilly Powder
2 teaspoons	Garam Masala

 

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Dum Time: 15 to 30 minutes

Method:

 

 

1. Heat butter in a pan. Add in the bay leaves, cloves and cinnamon stick.

 

 

 

 

2. Add in the Onions and saute till the onions turn translucent.

 

 

 

 

3. Now add in the green chilies and ginger garlic paste. Saute for about a minute.

 

 

 

 

4. Add in the spices: turmeric powder, red chilly powder and garam masala. Saute for another minute.

 

 

 

5. Add in the diced vegetables and saute until the vegetables are completely coated with the masala.

 

 

 

6. Add in the curd and allow the vegetables to cook in it for about 15 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Cook in closed pan.

 

 

 

 

7. In the meantime, dissolve the saffron strands in warm milk and keep aside.

 

 

 

 

8. Now layer Basmati Rice in the container that we are using to dum.

 

 

 

 

9. Add a layer of the cooked vegetable mix over the rice and cover with another layer of rice. Repeat until the container is filled. Pour over the milk.

 

 

10.  Cover with a lid and seal using dough. I am going to dum using an oven. So I am using a oven friendly container. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 degree Celsius for 15 minutes.

 

Serve the rice hot with caramelized onions and Raitha of your choice.

Just Some Pointers:

1. Cook your basmati rice to perfection. It is an value addition to the dish.
2. You can increase the quantity of vegetable. I use more vegetables to make biriyani a more healthy dish.