Mint Pulao

There would be days when I would miss Biryani but just could not afford the hassle and time of going through the rigmarole of Biryani preparation. My solution is mint rice.

Ingredients for Mint Rice:
1-2 tbsp ghee, butter or olive oil
1 handful cashew nuts
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
1 Cinnamon stick
4 Cardamom pods
2 cloves
4 Shallots sliced
1-2 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 cup finely chopped fresh Mint (save 1tbsp for garnishing)
1 tsp dried Mint (optional)
1/2 tsp Chilli flakes (optional)
1 Green Chilli slit
1 tsp lime juice (optional)
1-2 tsp yoghurt
Salt & pepper to taste
1 cup Basmati rice (washed. soaked and drained)
2 cups Water
Fried onions and chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:
Saute the cashew nuts in the ghee till it is brown not burnt. Set aside and throw in the cumin seeds till they splutter. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and whatever whole garam masala you like. I use shallots but you can use onions as well. Fry them till they turn translucent and add the ginger garlic paste, green chillies and lots of finely chopped fresh mint. Saute till its fragrant. Finally stir in the yoghurt . I don't grind the mint as I like the texture of chopped mint. I prefer to add a pinch of dried mint. It is optional, so are the chilli flakes and lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Saute in the drained rice. Add water and cook it till its done. Turn off gas, fluff ever so gently and keep covered for few minutes before serving. Garnish with cashews, fried onions and coriander leaves.