Arabic Kitchen - Chicken Mandi in the oven

Recipe Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1 whole chicken (1 kg), cut in half

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon yogurt

1 teaspoon saffron substitute

Saffron threads (optional)

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon turmeric

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon five-spice mix

1 teaspoon chicken bouillon substitute

Salt and pepper

For the Rice:

2 tablespoons oil and ghee

1 finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

2 cinnamon sticks

2 dried limes

2 bay leaves

3 whole cardamom pods

1 whole green chili pepper

3 cups basmati rice

4 1/4 cups hot water

Almonds and pine nuts for garnish

Mint for garnish