Grind coconut, mint, cilantro, green chilies and yogurt into a smooth paste.
Cook rice making sure not to make it mushy. Let cool a little bit.
Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves and bay leaf. Cook till they are fragrant and then add the onions, ginger+garlic paste. Cook till the onions are translucent, about 3~4 minutes.
Add the coconut paste and salt and cook for 2~3 minutes.
Add rice and garam masala; mix gently to evenly combine the masala with the rice. Serve right away.