To a hand mortar and pestle add 6 cashews along with 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Crush it well as fine as possible. You can use mixer jar if grinding in bulk.
Rinse 1 cup seeraga samba rice then soak in water for 30 mins, Set aside. After 30 mins drain water completely and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon ghee - then add 1 small bayleaf, one 1/2 inch cinnamon, 2 cloves, 2 cardamom, 1 small star anise, 1 small mace, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
Give a quick saute.
Add 2 green chillies and 1 big sized onion sliced.
Saute until golden.
Add 1 medium sized tomato saute until mushy.
Add 1/4 cup mint leaves, 1/4 cup coriander leaves along with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1 teaspoon biryani masala powder
Saute for a minute.
Add 2 cups mixed vegetables along with cashew, poppy seeds powder - I used 3/4 cup carrot cut int small cubes, 1/4 cup beans cut into 1 inch long, 1/2 cup fresh green peas, 1/2 cup potato cut into small cubes
Saute for 2 minutes.
Add drained rice give a quick saute.
Add 1/4 cup coconut milk.
Add 1 and 3/4 cups water.
Close with lid, put on whistle and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Switch off and set aside.
Meanwhile we can prepare fried bread. Cut 4 slices bread into small squares.
Add to hot preheated oil in batches.
Fry until reddish brown as shown here.
Once pressure releases by itself open. Add 1 tablespoon ghee.
Gently fluff the rice from the sides using a sharp laddle.
Add fried bread pieces.
Give a quick mix.
Vegetable Brinji is ready!