By Rajlakshmi
December 8, 2025
This ghee-drenched rice that is prepared with fragrant spices, creamy coconut-spiced paste and roasted cashews is a perfect meal for lunch when you’re in a hurry!
1 cup basmati rice 2 tablespoons of ghee 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 cardamom pieces 2 Cinnamon sticks 12 peppercorns 4-8 roasted cashews 4 cloves 1 star anise 2 green chillies ¼ cup green peas, slit cut 2 cups water ½ cup coconut, grated ½ cup water
Rinse the rice well and drain the water. Add clean and fresh water. Let the rice rest for approximately 30-45 minutes.
In a mixer-grinder, combine grated coconut and a little water. Grind to a fine paste. Keep aside.
Heat a large vessel and pour dollops of ghee, followed by cardamoms, cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, and green chillies.
Sauté well for 2 minutes. Add green peas and keep stirring for a minute. Put in the soaked rice. Mix thoroughly.
Transfer the coconut paste to the cooker and combine well with the other ingredients. Add water and salt. Give a nice and gentle stir.
Pour in some more ghee and cover with a lid. Cook over medium flame till 2 whistles. Open the lid and mix the rice.
Garnish the rice with roasted cashews. Serve and enjoy.