Name: Authentic Afghan Biryani
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Afghanistan
Ingredients: *For the Meat and Marinade:**; 5 lbs (700g) chicken, cut into bone-in pieces (thighs and drumsticks); 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; *For the Rice:**; 2 cups basmati rice; 10 cups water; 2 tablespoons salt (for boiling water); 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds; 4 green cardamom pods; 1 cinnamon stick (2-inch); 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk) - optional but traditional; *For the Gravy and Layering:**; 4 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 large potatoes, peeled and quartered; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 cup water or chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons fried onions (optional, for garnish)