Rice with Dried Mushrooms

 
Ingredients:

• 2  cups long grain rice (called Basmati rice in India) washed
• 4  cups water
• 2  cups dried mushrooms soaked in water for some time
• 1  tbs cumin seeds
• 4  medium onions chopped
• 4  cloves
• 2  green chillies chopped
• 2  bay leaves    
• 1"stick cinnamon
• 1/2  tbs) turmeric powder
• 1  tbs ginger grated
• 2  tbs ghee or clarified butter
• salt to taste
• a few strands of saffron soaked in a few drops of warm water to garnish

Recipe:

1. Soak the washed rice in the water for about 30  minutes.
2. Soak the dried mushrooms also separately in some water for the same amount of time as the rice. 
3. Drain the mushrooms and pat dry.
4. Heat  ghee (clarified butter) in a large heavy bottomed vessel and fry the mushrooms on medium heat till they slightly change color.
5. Drain and keep aside. 
6. In the same hot pan add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. 
7. Now add the cloves, cinnamon and bay leaves.
8. Fry briefly. Add the chopped green chillies, turmeric powder, grated ginger and chopped onions.
9. Saute on medium / low heat for about 4  minutes or till the onions are light brown in color.
10. Add the rice along with the water in which it was soaked, fried mushrooms and salt. Mix well. 
11. Bring to boil on high heat. 
12. Keep on low flame for 20  minutes or till the rice is cooked.
13.  Garnish with saffron.
14. And serve hot & enjoy the taste.