Wash and soak rice for 15-20 minutes. Drain the rice and keep it aside. In a large vessel, boil water and add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, peppercorns, 1 tsp of ghee, lemon juice, and salt. When the water start to boil, add the drained rice and cook until it is about 80% done. Drain and keep it aside.

Clean and wash the squid rings. Marinate it with chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt for at least 25-30 mins. Pressure cook the marinated squid for 2 whistles and keep it aside. Heat oil in a pan. Add sliced onions and green chilies and saute until translucent. Add ginger- garlic paste and saute until the raw smell goes away.

Dd chopped tomatoes and saute until soft and mushy. Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Fry until the oil starts to separate. Add the cooked squid and mix well. Cover with a lid and cook on medium flame for 5-8 mins, stirring occasionally. Add the yogurt and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 mins until the gravy is thick. Remove from flame and keep this aside.

In a biryani pot, apply melted ghee. Add a layer of the cooked rice. Spread the squid masala and ghee. Spread the remaining rice as the top layer. Cover with a tight lid and cook on low the flame for 10-20 mins. Remove from flame and keep it aside for 10 mins. Yummy squid biriyani is ready to serve.

Make sure not to overcook the squid or else it will become rubbery.