Recipe: Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice
(4 servings)

3 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 pinch turmeric
2 cloves
4 black peppercorns
2 black or brown cardamom pods
2 cups dried coconut
2 cups brown rice
3 3/4 cups water
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp chopped almonds

Presoak rice for an hour & then rinse well, pick out the dirt.

Heat ghee in a heavy pot & saute cumin till brown. Add turmeric, cloves, peppercorns & cardamom. Stir for about a minute. Stir in coconut. Saute till golden. Add rice & continue sauteing, over medium heat for 2 minutes. Pour in water, add salt, bring to a boil, lower heat, cover & cook for about 20 minutes, until the water has evaporated & the rice is cooked.

Garnish with cashews, raisins & almonds. Serve with any main curry.