Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1                    onion -- peeled and chopped
   2      cups          chopped mixed vegetables*
   4      tablespoons   light vegetable oil
   1      inch          cinnamon stick
   6                    cloves
   2      large         black cardamom seeds
   1      teaspoon      black cumin powder
   1      teaspoon      salt
   1      teaspoon      coriander
   1      teaspoon      garam masala
   1      teaspoon      turmeric powder
   1      teaspoon      chili powder/cayenne
   2      cups          raw basmati rice -- (rinsed 4 times,
                        soaked 20 minutes) - -- (or)
   4      cups          cooked -- non-sticky
                        -- long-grain rice

Preparation:

* (e.g., potatoes, green beans, cauliflower, carrot) Fry onion in oil until light brown. Add spices (cinnamon through salt in the ingredient list.) and fry for 1 minute. Add vegetables and fry for 4-5 minutes. Add rice (and 4 cups water if uncooked.) Add remaining spices (coriander through chili powder in the ingredient list.) Bring to a boil and reduce temperature slightly until the bubbles emerge through the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 12-15 minutes without stirring. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with raita or salad.