Biryani

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 lbs chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp biryani masala
• 3-4 green cardamoms
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Ghee or oil
• Cashews and raisins for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute.
3. Add onion and cook until translucent. Then add ginger and garlic and cook for a minute.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, biryani masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
6. In