Ayurveda believes that the body is made up of five elements – earth, water, air, fire, space. Any problem in the balance of these elements leads to disease, or dis-ease: lack of ease. By dividing people into three categories, or doshas – Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, Kapha dosha – Ayurveda helps us to understand what our minds and bodies need and to choose food to suit our own individual constitutions.

1. Soak the rice in water for ½ hour. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
2. Heat oil/ghee in a heavy bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds. Wait till they splutter violently.
3. Add the chopped onion. Sauté till the onions are pink and translucent.
4. Add water and let it come to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt.
5. Add the pre-soaked, drained rice. Give it one stir to evenly distribute the spices and onion. Allow to return to the boil and cook uncovered till rice shows through the water, like a porridge. Never stir during cooking.
6. When the half cooked rice is visible, put a tight fitting lid on the rice. Turn the heat as low as possible and cook for a further 8 mins. Turn off the heat and allow to stand for a further 3 mins.
7. Uncover and fluff with a fork. The less the rice grains are handled the less sticky it will be.