Mint pulav

This is going to be a green rice pilaf. It is your choice to use vegetables in the recipe. 

You need
Basmati rice - 1 cup
Mint leaves - a bunch/a handful
Coriander leaves - less than a bunch
Green chillies -2
Garlic - 1
Ginger - 1 small piece
Coconut - 1/2 a handful (grated)
Bay leaves - 2
Star anise - 1
Cloves - 4
Cinnamon stick - 1
Onions - 1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Salt
Ghee - 1 tablespoon
Oil


Method

• Soak the basmati rice in water and set aside for at least 30 min.
• Blend together mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, garlic cloves, ginger and coconut with little water to make a fine paste.
• In a medium saucepan start by adding oil followed by bay leaves, star anise, cloves, onions, cinnamon stick and saute for few minutes. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor from the onions.
• Pour in the mint paste into the pan and saute well until the color changes to dark green and oil starts to ooze out. At this point the raw smell of mint will also go away.
• Add 2.5 cups of water to the pan and bring this to a boil. 
• When the water boils, drain the rice and add it into the pan. 
• Add required salt, ghee, cover and cook on medium heat until you see holes on top of the rice.
• At this point reduce the heat to low and cook until rice is done.
• Serve warm with raita/yogurt.