1cupchick peas, dried, or 1 large can chick peas, drained
1pinchbaking soda
1 teaspoonginger paste
1teaspoongarlic paste
1teaspoonchili powder
1/2teaspoonturmeric powder
1cup plain yogurt
1cuptomatoes, chopped
2potatoes, chopped
3green chilies, chopped
3tablespoons butter, (or ghee)
salt to taste
Instructions
To prepare the rice - Soak the rice for 30 minutes. Drain. Mix the water and milk together. Add the caradamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, salt and rice and cook until almost done, about 18 minutes.
To prepare the vegetable "gravy" - Soak the chick peas overnight . The next day, boil them with enough water to cover and the baking soda until chick peas are tender. (Omit this step if you use canned chick peas.) Drain chick peas, canned or fresh.
Heat the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic pastes and fry for 2-3 minutes. Make sure garlic doesn't burn. Mix the chili powder and the turmeric with a bit of water. Add to the pan and fry for 1 minute.
Add the yogurt, tomatoes, potatoes and green chilies and stir. Add the chick peas and salt.
Add the coriander, mint, green chilies and fried onions to the cooked rice. Put one layer of rice in a big bowl and spread a layer of chick pea gravy on top. Make alternate layers of rice and gravy in this manner. Finally, sprinkle the saffron milk on top.
Cover and bake in a hot oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. When baked, turn upside down on to a serving dish and serve.