Lamb Biryani With Saffron, Yogurt, and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Ingredients (25)

• 2 pounds (910g) boneless leg of lamb, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch (2cm) cubes
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened full-fat yogurt
• 6 medium garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated
• One 2–inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 3 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, divided; if using table salt, use half as much by volume
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) plus 2 teaspoons (10ml) ghee or neutral oil, such as grapeseed, divided
• 2 large yellow or white onions (26 ounces; 750g total), sliced thinly
• 5 green cardamom pods, lightly cracked, divided
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon garam masala, store-bought or homemade
• 1 teaspoon ground Kashmiri chile (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup (240ml) water or low-sodium stock (lamb, beef, or chicken)
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon or lime juice
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 fresh green chile, such as a serrano or Thai bird, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
• 20 strands of saffron, divided
• 2 teaspoons rosewater
• 2 teaspoons pandan (kewra/screwpine) water (see note)