- add oil, and once it's hot, add whole spices like cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves. Once they sizzle, add ginger garlic paste and saute for 30 secs. Then add sliced onions and green chilies, saute for 2-3 minutes until onions turn light brown - stir regularly. Next, add tomatoes and saute for a minute till they become soft. Add dry spices like turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and biryani powder, and saute for just 30 seconds. Make sure spices don't burn. Then add yogurt and mix everything. Add the sliced mushrooms and mix again gently. Add rinsed basmati rice, water, salt, and give a stir. Sprinkle some mint and coriander leaves and mix. Close the lid on the pot. Cook for few more minutes. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.