Spinach Coconut Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown basmati rice, rinsed well
• 1 bag (10 ounces / 316 grams) spinach, washed
• 1 cup cilantro or basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 orange or red pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 green chili
• 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
• 1/4 cup grated coconut (or dry shredded)
• 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2 one-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 star anise (if available)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt