1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
20 whole cloves
9 whole cardamom pods
5 bay leaves
1 medium onion, chopped
5 small green chile peppers
2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
1 teaspoon salt
6 fresh curry leaves (optional)
3 cups uncooked jasmine or white rice
4 1/8 cups water
1 sprig cilantro leaves with stems