Biryani in an OTG – Does It Taste as Good as Traditional Dum Cooking?

The Truth About OTG Biryani That No One Talks About…

Ask any biryani purist, and they’ll tell you - nothing beats traditional dum cooking. The slow-cooked layers, the sealed-in steam, and that irresistible smoky aroma? It’s a ritual as much as it is a recipe. 

But here’s the real question: Can you achieve the same magic in an OTG?

Some say it’s impossible, others swear by it. But what if I told you that with the right technique, your oven-baked biryani could come shockingly close to the real deal? 

We’re putting this debate to rest once and for all. Let’s break down whether an OTG can truly replace dum cooking - or if it's just a shortcut that falls flat. 

Stay with me, because this might just change the way you make biryani forever. 

What’s the Secret Behind Dum Cooking?

Credits: Freepik

Dum biryani is all about slow cooking. The pot is sealed with dough (or a tight lid) to trap steam, allowing the rice and meat to cook in their own juices. This method infuses deep flavors, makes the meat tender, and gives biryani its signature texture.

Now, the challenge is: Can an OTG replicate this process? 

Let’s find out!

How to Cook Biryani in an OTG – The Right Way!

Credits: Glen India

Yes, an OTG can give you flavorful biryani, but you need the right technique. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Biryani Like You Normally Would

• Cook the marinated meat (chicken, mutton, or veggies) in a pan until it’s halfway done.
• Parboil the rice (60-70% cooked).
• Layer the rice and meat in an oven-safe deep dish or a handi.
• Add saffron milk, fried onions, mint, and ghee for that final touch.

2. Seal It Properly!

• Instead of a loose lid, cover your dish with aluminum foil or dough to lock in the moisture - just like dum cooking!

3. Bake at the Right Temperature

• Preheat your OTG to 180°C (356°F).
• Bake for 25-30 minutes for chicken biryani or 40-45 minutes for mutton biryani.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Does It Taste the Same as Traditional Dum Biryani?

Well… almost! 

Flavors? The taste is pretty close! Since the OTG provides even heating, the spices blend well, and the aroma is intense.
Texture? The rice turns out fluffy, and the meat stays juicy—if you don’t over bake it.
Smokiness? You won’t get the signature smokiness of dum biryani unless you use the charcoal trick (more on that below!).

How to Get That Authentic Smoky Flavor?

Credits: Glen India

If you really want to mimic the traditional dum flavor, try this dhungar method (charcoal smoke infusion):

1. Heat a small piece of charcoal on a direct flame until it turns red hot.
2. Place it in a small bowl and put that bowl inside the biryani dish.
3. Pour a few drops of ghee on the charcoal - it will start smoking instantly.
4. Cover the dish immediately for 5-10 minutes.

Voila! You just gave your OTG biryani a smoky, dum-cooked flavor! 

So, Is OTG Biryani Worth It?

If you don’t have a dum setup or want a hands-free approach, an OTG is a great alternative! You’ll still get delicious, aromatic biryani with minimal effort.

However, if you’re after 100% authentic dum biryani, the traditional method still wins - especially for mutton, which benefits more from slow cooking.

That said, an OTG biryani is a fantastic modern twist on a classic, and if you follow the right technique (and maybe add that charcoal trick), you won’t miss out on much!

So, next time you’re craving biryani, why not give your OTG a try? And for top-notch kitchen appliances that make cooking effortless, check out Glen India for the best OTGs and more! 

Conclusion

So, does biryani in an OTG hold up against the slow, aromatic magic of dum cooking? The answer isn’t black and white—it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you crave the authentic smokiness and deep infusion of flavors that come from slow-cooking over a low flame, traditional dum biryani still reigns supreme. The sealed steam, the charcoal essence, and the gentle cooking process create something truly special.

But if convenience, consistency, and a hands-free approach are what you need, an OTG is a fantastic alternative! With the right layering, proper sealing, and precise temperature control, you can get fluffy rice, juicy meat, and perfectly blended spices—almost mimicking the dum experience. And if you add the charcoal smoke trick, you’ll get even closer to the traditional taste.

At the end of the day, biryani is about patience, love, and technique, no matter what method you use. Whether you choose the slow-cooked dum style or the modern OTG approach, it’s the attention to detail that makes all the difference.

So, why not experiment? Try both methods, tweak the process, and find what works best for you. Because ultimately, great biryani isn’t just about the tools—it’s about the passion behind it.

And if you’re looking for a high-quality OTG to perfect your biryani game, Glen India has got you covered with some of the best options out there!