Masala Bhat (Spicy Rice)

We just spent 10 days in Hawaii and ate a lot of Indian Food.  Love it!!!!!  Tatton took us to the Hari Krishna  temple.  They had a restaurant in there temple area.  The food was wonderful.  They had this ginger mint drink that was made with fresh ginger and fresh mint.  Wow, was it good.  loved it!!!  I am going to try to find the recipe.  This recipe sounds great.  Have not tried it but they have made it at the temple to serve.  So I am going to try it.  We always like to eat new foods when we travel.  Found an Indian Store to buy some of the spices and brought them home.  The new spice that looks fun to try is Gram Marsala.  Tatton made some recipes with it and they where great.   Look forward to making some new recipes.

2 c. basmati  rice
2 1/2 c. boiling water
1 t. salt
2 t. oil
1 t. cumin seed
2 fresh red or green chilis
1 t. cinnamon
 1 t. grated ginger
 1/2 t. nutmeg
 1/4 t. cardamon or 3 cardamon pods
 2 T. fresh cilantro
 2 T. butter

 Wash rice in cold water and soak for 15 min.  Then drain rice in a colander.  heat oil and cook cumin seeds and chilis till seeds are lightly browned.  Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamon, cook a min.  Add rice cook till lightly brown.  Pour boiling water over rice  Cook till rice is absorbed.  Uncover stir the butter and fresh cilantro in and serve