Directions

1. Rinse and cook basmati rice in 2 cups of water. Let it cool for few minutes. Set aside.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a wide-bottomed skillet. Add oil and heat over medium heat. When oil is hot, but not smoking, add bay leaf, and cinnamon sticks.
3. Add cumin seeds and urad dal and fry over medium heat until cumin are golden brown.
4. Add onion and cauliflower and stir-fry for a few minutes.
5. Add black pepper and cumin powder and salt. Continue cooking, covered, over medium heat until cauliflower is tender. About 1 tablespoon of water should be added to facilitate the cooking of the cauliflower.
6. Add cooked basmati rice. Stir well into cauliflower mixture. Cover and allow to steam over low heat until rice becomes softer and absorbs the flavor of the cauliflower.
7. Add peanuts and coriander and fluff the rice gently.
8. Optional step: 1 teaspoon of melted butter or ghee may be added to rice to enhance flavor. Mix well.