Step 1

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a covered small saucepan over high heat. Meanwhile, place 1 cup basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 2

Stir the rice into the boiling water. Bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the water is absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, thaw 1/4 cup grated frozen coconut, or add a little hot water to 1/4 cup dried coconut to plump up and rehydrate. Peel and finely grate 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger (about 1 teaspoon). Trim and thinly slice 1 Indian green or serrano pepper crosswise into rounds (remove the seeds if you prefer milder heat).

Step 3

Remove the saucepan of rice from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, transfer to a large bowl. Pour 1 cup whole or reduced fat milk over the rice. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooled to room temperature and almost all the milk is absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the coconut, 2 cups plain yogurt, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Step 5

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Break 1 dried red chile into small pieces with your hands and add it to the pan. Add the sliced pepper, 2 teaspoons mustard seeds, 2 teaspoons chana dal, and 2 teaspoons skinned urad dal. Stir to coat with the oil and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 6

Cook, stirring often so they evenly toast, until the dals turn golden brown and the mixture smells nutty, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ginger, 15 fresh curry leaves, 2 tablespoons cashews, and a pinch of asafoetida, and stir to combine. Remove from the heat.

Step 7

Scrape the spiced oil into the yogurt rice and stir to combine. Transfer to individual serving bowls or one large serving bowl, and garnish with the chopped cilantro before serving.