Masala Bhath

Ingredients:
Basmati Rice - 300 gms
Gherkins  - 100 gms
Cashew nuts - 25 gms
Green chilli - 4
Curry leave -  few
Coriander seeds - 2 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Gingelly seeds - 1 tsp
Cinnamon - small piece
Cloves - 3 - 4
Asafoetida -  a pinch
Dry coconut -  1 tbsp (grated)
Mustard & Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
Ghee - 1-2 tbsp
Fresh coconut - 2 tbsp
Coriander leaves - small bunch
Salt to taste

Method:

• Wash and drain the water from rice and keep aside for half an hour.
• Dry roast and powder coriander, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, gingelly seeds, dry coconut.
• Wash and cut gherkins lengthwise.
• Heat 3/4th of ghee in thick bottom vessel. Add mustard and cumin seeds. When they crackle add curry leaves, asafoetida, chilli. 
• Add gherkins and saute for five minutes. Add rice and fry for 5 minutes.
• Add 450 gms of hot water to rice mixture. 
• Add spice powder, salt and cashew nuts.
• Cover and cook till rice is done. When rice is nearly done, pour remaining ghee over.
• When rice is done, garnish with grated (fresh) coconut and chopped coriander.
• serve hot.