Innovation

I have selected a great PROCESS which is known as a great innovation in the Indian culinary world. The respective innovation is a process of cooking named as DUM PUKHT cooking. Dum means to ‘breath in’ and pukht means ‘cook’. Dum pukht cooking uses a round, heavy bottom pan, preferably a handi (clay oven pot), in which food is sealed and cooked over a slow flame. The two basic concepts of this type of cooking method are ‘bhunao’ and ‘dum’, which is quite similar to braising plus steaming. As a chef from India, this process of cooking is very close to my heart.

Dum cooking has ancient origins. Also called Larhmeen (means slow cooking) in Persian, the cooking may have started among the nomadic tribes around modern Iran or Afghanistan who roamed from place to place and wanted a meal that was filling and yet did not need too many accompaniments or care while cooking.

. During the 18^th century, a north Indian princely state called Awadh (the current north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh) was hit by a famine. The Nawab (may be translated as Prince or King) realized that starving population needed to be fed and initiated a food-for-work programme. Thousands volunteered for work. The cooks manning the kitchens soon saw that it was impossible to cook 2-3 dishes for everyone, and the only possible option to feed the hungry workers and give them the nourishment they needed was to adopt the ancient technique of Dum cooking.

They mixed all meat, vegetables, rice, and spices in large pots and cooked them over a slow fire over a few hours. The prepared food was then distributed among the workers as an all-in-one meal.

Imtiaz Qureshi, A legendary chef who introduced Dum cooking to India, currently chef of ITC hotel Maurya, New Delhi, India. He is famous for his dal Bhukara i.e a lentil curry slow cooked for 48 hours on burning coal. He also got the padhmabhushan award from the president of India. A quality I love about him is that today as the chef of the 5-star hotel of India, he takes off his shoes before entering the kitchen to show respect. He has taught legendary chef Gordon Ramsay how to make his World famous biriyani, with a symbol of giving birth, which includes, quail eggs, Whole chicken, whole goat, and Gordon Ramsay actually considered him as his teacher.

Today, Dum cooking is an essential part of Indian cuisine and you will find it everywhere, especially in North India. The rich yet subtle aroma and taste make it, unlike anything you will have ever tasted. It is one of those dishes where all ingredients complement each other to create a perfectly harmonious fusion.

This cooking has not only affected my way of thinking for cooking but of thousands of chefs across the globe. This method was some of the major methods of cooking that was originated in India rather than France or elsewhere, which actually helps to keep the nutrients intact and flavorful.

Thank you

Hope you enjoyed the blog!