Coconut Rice (Nariyal Chawal)

Ingredients:

• 4  teacups cooked long grain rice (called Basmati rice in India)
• 2  teacups grated coconut
• 1  tbs mustard seeds
• 2  tbs each of split black gram and split bengal gram
• 1/2  tbs asafoetida
• 4  green chillies chopped
• 2  red chillies broken into bits
• 4  tbs butter or ghee (clarified butter)
• A few curry leaves and salt to taste
• A handful of fried cashewnuts to garnish.

Recipe:

1. Heat ghee or clarified butter on medium level in a large heavy-bottomed vessel for about 2  minutes.
2. Add the mustard seeds and fry till they splutter.
3. Now add the grams, red chilli bits, asafoetida and fry for a few seconds till the grams turn light brown.
4. Add the chopped green chillies, curry leaves and the grated coconut. 
5. Saute on medium / low heat for about 4  minutes till the coconut is light brown in color.
6. Add the rice and salt to the coconut mixture and mix well.
7. Keep on low heat for 2  minutes or till the rice is flavored with the coconut mixture.
8. Garnish with fried cashew nut bits.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the taste.