Dum cooking is a traditional Indian cooking technique that involves slow-cooking food in a sealed pot. The method allows the ingredients to cook in their own juices, enhancing the flavors and aromas. Typically, a heavy lid is used to trap steam, creating a unique cooking environment that tenderizes the meat and infuses spices deeply into the dish. This technique is often used for dishes like biryani and dum aloo, where marinated meats or vegetables are layered with rice or spices. The slow cooking process can take several hours, resulting in rich, flavorful meals that are popular in Indian cuisine.