Fragrant Chicken Biryani for Special Occasions

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb chicken (cut into pieces)
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 cup oil (or ghee)
• 1/2 cup mint leaves (chopped)
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons masala (biryani)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk (optional)