Mom, Prawns and Rice

Mom's Prawn Pulao.

Try it once and it will become a staple in special days cooking!!! Thats all I am going to say about this wonderful dish.

Rice 3 cups (washed and dried)
Prawns 25-30
Water 6 cups

Pudina Leaves a fistful
Coriander Leaves a fistful
Green Chillies 4-6
Jeera 1 tsp
Coriander Seeds 1 tbsp
Grated Coconut 1/4 cup
Cinnamon 1' piece
Cloves 7-8
Badi Elaichi 1
Black Peppercorns 7-8
Bay Leaf 1

Onion 3 medium size finely chopped
Tomatoes 2 medium size finely chopped
Red Chilly pwd 1 tsp (optional)
Turmeric a pinch
Salt to taste

Roast grated coconut, jeera, coriander seeds, half the cloves, cinnamon and black peppercorns. Brown 1 finely chopped onion. Blend together into a fine paste with fresh coriander and mint leaves. Keep aside.

Heat oil. Add bay leaf, badi elaichi,remaining cloves, cinnamon, black peppers. When they start sputtering , add remaining onions and saute for a couple of mins. When translucent, add red chilly pwd, turmeric ,tomatoes, rice and saute till the rice becomes opaque. Add the paste made earlier, prawns and water. Bring to a boil. Add salt and cover. Cook on a medium low flame till all the water evaporates.
Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves.