First wash and soak 1 cup basmati rice in 2 cups water. In a heavy pan heat 1 teaspoon ghee and 2 teaspoon oil. Add whole spices – 1 dry bay leaf, 2 cloves, 2 green cardamoms, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, 1 mace flower and 6-8 cashews. Fry until cashews are golden brown.

Add 2 green chillies slit cut along with 1 large onion finely sliced.

Fry onions until translucent and add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste. Cook for 2-3 mins until there is no raw smell.

Next add ½ cup mixed vegetables chopped (1 small carrot, 4-5 french beans, 1 small potato and handful of green peas – fresh/frozen).

Cook for 3-4 mins and then add ¼ cup finely chopped mint leaves. Cook for another minute.

Add water used to soak basmati rice.

Let the water come to a rolling boil, add salt as needed.

Now add soaked basmati rice and mix well.

Cook covered on medium flame for 4-5 mins and then reduce the heat, continue cooking covered for 10-12 mins until the rice is soft & cooked.

Let it rest for 5-10 mins before fluffing it up with a fork.