Soak the rice for 30 minutes. I have taken sona masuri rice and cooked in a cooking pot. Rinse the cut brinjals in salty water and keep aside. Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tsp desi ghee in a kadai. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds. When they crackle then add 1 tsp urad dal and 1 tsp chana dal and saute till dals become golden brown. A sweet aroma will ooze out from the fried Urad dal.

Add 2 dry red chillies, curry leaves,, onion and fry till golden brown. Add the brinjal, salt and turmeric, mix properly, cover and cook. When the brinjals are cooked well add coconut powder or grated coconut and jaggery. (I used honey after presentation of the recipe) Mix again very well, add 1/2 cup of water to make semi gravy consistency in the brinjal masala. Bring the pan down from flame and add rice in 2 to 3 parts and mix gently so that everything is mixed evenly.

Now mix well the saunf,methi powder, tamarind powder and ginger powder with the rice. Lastly mix the curd with the done rice and blend with the spatula properly. Garnish the dish with roasted kaju, raisins, almonds and roasted til. Serve with roasted papad if you like. Thanks Notes: 1. You can prepare this yummlicious dish without onion and garlic. 2. Use honey after switching off the flame and bringing down the cooking vessel. 3. You can add freshly chopped ginger while frying Onion.