Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot
Once the oil is hot, add all the whole spices: cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, star anise, mace, and stone flower
Let them splutter
Now add the onions and sauté until golden brown
Add ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté until the raw smell dissipates
Now add turmeric powder, chili powder and garam masala. Mix everything thoroughly
Add tomato puree and keep stirring occasionally until the onion-tomato mixture thickens up
Add the mint leaves
Add the vegetables and salt and give everything a good stir.Let the vegetable cook in the masala mixture for 5 minutes (if you are using fresh vegetables, 15 minutes or until vegetable are done).
Now add the soaked basmati rice and 4 cups of water. Turn up the heat to high
Give everything a good stir and taste. Add more salt or chili powder at this point
Reduce the heat (medium-high) once the water in the pot come to a rolling boil
Let the rice cook. It took about 15 minutes for my basmati rice to cook
Turn off the heat and serve with onion raita
