Sri Lankan Chicken Biriyani | Saveur

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. ghee, divided
• 1 lb. white onion (1½ medium onions), peeled and thinly sliced (3¾ cups)
• 2 tsp. salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1 lb. basmati rice (2 cups 3 Tbsp.)
• Small pinch of saffron threads (about ⅛ tsp.)
• 20 cardamom pods, divided
• 20 whole cloves, divided
• 6 1-inch pieces flat cinnamon
• 2 tsp. coriander seeds
• 1 tsp. black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1⁄2 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1 cup plain yogurt, divided
• 2 lb. chicken thighs on the bone (4 large thighs), halved
• 4 medium potatoes (about 2 lb.), peeled and cut into 6 to 8 pieces each
• 6 eggs
• 4 bay leaves
• 4 plum tomatoes (1¼ lb.), quartered lengthwise
• 1⁄2 cup roasted cashews, for garnish
• 1 loosely packed cup cilantro leaves, for garnish