Maharashtrian Masale Bhaat | Spiced Rice with Aubergine - Belly On My Mind

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
• 1-2 dried Kashmiri red chillies
• 2 tsp coriander seeds or powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds or powder
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 1 cup Basmati Rice (washed three times, and water drained.)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large aubergine or brinjals (chopped to bite sizes)
• 100 gm frozen or fresh green peas (optional)
• 1 medium carrot (peeled and chopped to bite sizes (Optional))
• 1 medium potato (peeled and chopped to bite sizes (Optional))
• 3-4 spoons Goda Masala (For recipe above)
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2.5 cups water
• Salt to taste
• handful cashew nuts (roasted in ghee or butter)
• spoonful fresh coconut (optional)