• 1 ½ cups basmati rice

• 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes), chopped

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 2 green cardamom pods

• 4 cloves

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala

• Salt, to taste

• 3 cups water or vegetable broth

• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: Fried onions for topping

Instructions

1. Rinse and soak rice for 20-30 minutes; drain.

2. Sauté whole spices and onions until golden.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes; cook until soft.

4. Stir in spices and vegetables; cook 5 minutes.

5. Add rice and water; bring to boil.

6. Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.

7. Rest, fluff, garnish, and serve.