Slow-cooked biryani, also known as Dum Biryani, is a traditional dish that involves layering marinated meat or vegetables with partially cooked basmati rice and slow-cooking them together in a sealed pot. This cooking method allows the ingredients to release their natural juices, infusing the rice with deep flavors and rich aromas. The use of whole spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves enhances the fragrance, while saffron and ghee add a luxurious touch. The slow-cooking process, often done on a low flame or over a griddle (tava), ensures that the meat becomes tender and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors without overcooking.
Different regions have their own variations of slow-cooked biryani, with the Hyderabadi and Lucknowi (Awadhi) styles being the most famous. Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is known for its "kacchi" (raw) method, where marinated raw meat is layered with rice and cooked together, while Lucknowi Biryani follows a "pakki" (pre-cooked) method, ensuring a more delicate and refined taste. The key to a perfect Dum Biryani lies in patience, as slow cooking allows all the spices, meat, and rice to blend harmoniously, creating a dish that is aromatic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.