21Oct
A Deep Dive into the Difference Between Dum Biryani and Normal Biryani
Biryani—this fragrant and royal rice dish has captured the hearts of many food lovers worldwide. With its roots deeply seated in history and culture, biryani is almost like an emotion for food enthusiasts in India. This marvellous rice preparation comes in two variations, namely, Dum Biryani and Normal Biryani. Though biryani has now become a victim of evolution and has branched out into delightful variations like Paneer Biryani, Egg Biryani, and so on, the two above-mentioned styles stand out as the most authentic ones.What is Dum Biryani?
Dum is the art of slow cooking. ‘Dum’, which originated in Persia, refers to a unique cooking method that involves sealing the ingredients in a pot and allowing them to cook gently in their own steam. This technique locks the flavours and moisture perfectly, creating a dish that is aromatic and rich. Dum here means to keep food on slow fire.Sealing in the Goodness
What makes Dum Biryani unique is the sealing of the ingredients in a pot. The process of making Dum Biryani begins with marinating meat or vegetables in a blend of yoghurt and spices. Rice is layered once the marination process is ready. The marinated mixture layered with fragrant basmati rice is then topped with caramelised onions, fresh herbs, and sometimes saffron. This gives the dish its royal touch! After the layering is done, the pot is sealed tightly with dough so that no steam escapes. As the biryani starts to cook, the steam generated inside the pot keeps the flavours intact and enhances them. The final product that you get is a mouthwatering dish in which each bite offers a complex and layered taste profile. Are you already curious to indulge in a hearty bowl of Dum Biryani? Come visit Dosa Hut, our renowned Indian restaurant in Melbourne CBD, and treat yourself to a flavour-packed meal.What is Normal Biryani?
Normal Biryani involves a common cooking method. In this cooking style, all the ingredients are cooked separately before they are mixed together. Dum Biryani, as we all know, requires a lot of patience. Normal Biryani, on the other hand, can be prepared quickly. In India, each region has its own unique flair when it comes to Biryani. Some popular biryani varieties include Hyderabadi Biryani, Kolkata Biryani, Sindhi Biryani, and many more. No matter which biryani you choose to relish, the core idea remains the same: a delicious blend of flavours for a mouthwatering experience that is hard to miss! Want to try a Normal Biryani at an authentic Indian food restaurant in Melbourne CBD? Book your table at Dosa Hut now! Now that we know about the two primary biryani varieties, let’s move on to their key differences.Dum Biryani vs Normal Biryani: What Sets Them Apart?
Both Dum Biryani and Normal Biryani have their own unique charm, but there are certain key differences that set them apart.- Cooking technique As we have already discussed, Dum Biryani is all about the slow cooking process in which ingredients like vegetables and meat are first marinated and then layered with rice. Normal Biryani, on the other hand, takes a more straightforward route, wherein ingredients are first cooked separately and then combined at the end.
- Flavour development Dum Biryani is all about deep and strong flavours, all thanks to its cooking technique. Normal Biryani, though packed with flavours, offers a more direct and quicker taste because the ingredients are cooked individually.
- Moisture and texture The dum cooking method locks in the moisture, which gives the biryani its moist and tender texture. In contrast, Normal Biryani can sometimes be a bit drier because it lacks the steam-filled cooking environment.
- Time and complexity By now, we all know that Dum Biryani demands a bit more patience and effort. With its marination process and long cooking time, it surely adds to the complexity. Normal Biryani is comparatively a quicker and simpler option, which is best for busy schedules.