Almost Core Chicken Biryani

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons warm skim milk
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron thread, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 whole cardamom pods, green
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 cups brown basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• salt & pepper
• 2 medium onions, one chopped fine and one sliced thin
• 1 large Tomato, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ghee or 1 tablespoon melted butter