Quick Onion Pullao

• FAST
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup raw cashews
2. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3. 1/4 teaspoon asafetida (optional)
4. 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
5. 1 teaspoon turmeric
6. 1 pound onions (3 to 4), thinly sliced into rings or half circles
7. 4 jalapeños, minced
8. 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
9. 5 fresh or dried curry leaves
10. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
11. 1 teaspoon sugar
12. 4 cups cooked Govindobhog Rice or Basmati Rice
13. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1. In a large heavy skillet, toast the cashews over high heat, stirring constantly, until golden. Remove from the heat and stir for 15 seconds, then transfer to a plate.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the oil until it shimmers. Add the asafetida and stir briefly to dissolve, then stir in the mustard seeds. When they stop popping, stir in the turmeric. Toss in the onions, jalapeños, ginger and curry leaves and stir to coat with the oil.
3. Lower heat to moderate and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in the salt and sugar. Add the rice; gently turn and stir until well mixed and heated through. Drizzle in the lime juice and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Discard the curry leaves. Mound the pullao on a deep platter, top with the cashews and serve.