Tomato Rice (Tamatar Biryani)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small red onion, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or butter
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher or sea salt
• 6 green or white cardamom pods
• 1 cup Indian or Pakistani white basmati rice
• 2 blades mace
• 2 cinnamon sticks (each 3 inches long)
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 or 3 fresh green Thai, cayenne, or serrano chiles, to taste, stems removed, cut lengthwise into thin strips (do not remove the seeds)
• 4 medium-size cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon shredded fresh ginger