Ingredients: salt as needed, 1 sprig curry leaves, ½ tsp cumin or jeera, ½ tsp mustard, ½ cup rice (¼ cup white rice ¼ cup brown rice or), 1 cup thick curd or yogurt (adjust as needed), ¼ cup milk (optional), 2 tbsp. grated carrot, 2 bottle gourd, 1 tsp. finely chopped coriander leaves, pinch hing or asafoetida, ½ tsp minced or crushed ginger, 1 slit green or red chili, ¾ to 1 tsp urad dal or minapa pappu (optional), ¾ to 1 tsp chana dal (optional)
Cook the rice according to package directions.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the tempering. Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Saute for a few seconds.
Add grated carrot and bottle gourd, saute until slightly softened.
Add asafoetida (hing), ginger, and optional dals (urad and chana dal). Saute for a minute.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and yogurt. Mix well.
Add the prepared tempering to the rice and yogurt mixture. Mix gently.