Rajamudi Coconut Rice is a flavorful and aromatic South Indian dish made with Rajamudi rice (a traditional variety of rice), fresh coconut, and a blend of spices. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that pairs well with curries or can be served as a main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Rajamudi rice (or any medium-grain rice as an alternative)
• 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-2 cardamom pods
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice: Wash the rice until water runs clear.
2. Cook rice: Boil 2 cups of water, add rice and salt, cook until tender (15-20 min).
3. Prepare coconut mixture: Heat ghee/oil, add mustard, cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté onions, ginger, and chilies until soft. Add grated coconut and sauté for 2-3 min.
4. Mix rice and coconut: Add the coconut mixture to the cooked rice and mix gently.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with coriander and serve with curry or raita.

Tips:

• Spice level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice tolerance.
• Optional add-ins: You can add a few cashews or peanuts while sautéing the onions for extra crunch and flavor.
• Rice alternatives: If you can't find Rajamudi rice, you can use other medium-grain rice varieties like Sona Masoori or Basmati for a similar texture and taste.

Enjoy your delicious and fragrant Rajamudi Coconut Rice!