Step 1

• Bring plenty of water to a boil in a medium saucepan
• Add the washed and drained rice and simmer until half cooked. Remove from heat, drain, and let cool.
• Grind the garlic cloves in a mortar with the ginger, chili peppers, black pepper, and cumin.
• Add the turmeric and saffron and mix in a bowl with the yogurt and cilantro leaves, whisking until evenly combined.

Step 2

• Sauté the finely chopped onions in a wide saucepan with 3 tablespoons of oil, stirring until golden brown.
• Add the peeled, seeded, and finely chopped tomatoes, sauté for 5 minutes, and then add the cleaned and roughly chopped vegetables. Add 1/2 cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add the yogurt sauce, bring to a quick boil, then stir in the rice, keeping it on low heat until the rice is cooked.
• Serve immediately