Kofta Biryani

For the koftas 
3/4 cup soaked kabuli chana (white chick peas)
1 onion
1 green chilli
2 tbsp chopped coriander (dhania)
3 cloves of garlic (lehsun)
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
salt to taste
oil for cooking

For the gravy
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes , pureed
1 tsp grated ginger (adrak)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
1 tsp chilli powder
3/4 tsp garam masala
2 cups chopped spinach (palak)
1/3 cup fresh cream
2 tbsp oil
salt to taste

For the rice
1 cup long grained rice (basmati)
2 cloves (laung / lavang)
2 bayleaves (tejpatta)
salt to taste

Other ingredients
1/2 cup mint leaves (phudina), chopped
1/3 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
a few strands of saffron (kesar) strands

Method
For the koftas

1.Combine all the ingredients except the oil in a blender and grind to a smooth paste.
2.Shallow fry spoonfuls of the mixture on a non-stick pan, using a little oil over a medium flame, till both sides are golden brown. Drain and keep aside.

For the gravy

1.Heat the oil in a pan and saute the onion till translucent.
2.Add the tomato puree, ginger, turmeric and chilli powder and cook till the oil separates.
3.Add the garam masala and spinach and saute for a further 2 minutes.
4.Add the cream and salt and mix well. Keep aside.

For the rice

1.Clean and wash the rice.
2.In a large pan, add the rice, cloves, bay leaves, salt and 2 cups of water.
3.Bring to a boil and simmer till the rice is almost cooked. Keep aside.

How to proceed

1.In a greased bowl, spread the half the rice to form one even layer.
2.Arrange all the koftas over the rice.
3.Spoon the gravy on top and sprinkle the mint leaves.
4.Spread another layer of rice.
5.In another pan, combine the milk, butter, cardamom powder and saffron and bring to a boil.
6.Pour over the layered biryani.
7.Cover with a tight lid and bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
8.Serve hot.

Tips
1.The chick peas have to be soaked for at least 6 hours. 1/4 cup raw chick peas will yield approx. 3/4 cup of soaked chick peas.
You can also serve this with Mirchi salan or raitha of your choice