Indian Biryani

Name: Indian Biryani
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups basmati rice; 500g chicken, lamb, or vegetables (your choice); 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp red chili powder; 1 tsp cumin powder; 2 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp saffron threads (optional); ¼ cup warm milk; 4 green cardamom pods; 2 cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 bay leaf; Fresh cilantro and mint leaves for garnish; 3 tbsp ghee or oil; Salt to taste; Water as needed