12 One-Pot Winter Wonders Your Dadi Would Approve Of

7. Biryani (One-Pot Dum-Style) — Layered, Fragrant Winter Feast

Biryani can be a one-pot celebration, and in winter it becomes a show-stopping family meal that still nods to Dadi’s idea of comfort—aromatic, filling, and shared. A home-friendly one-pot dum method layers partially cooked rice over marinated protein and vegetables, seals the pot, and finishes on low heat so steam cooks everything together. Whole warming spices—cardamom, cloves, bay—release fragrance while the meat or vegetables braise in their spice mix. To save time, par-cook rice and use a tight-fitting lid or heavy pan for the dum finish; a hot tawa under the pot helps prevent burning. Serve with cooling raita and a few fried onions to add crunch. Biryani shows how a single pot can produce a layered meal that’s both celebratory and deeply comforting during cold weather.