Wash the rice in several changes of water and drain. Put the rice in a bowl. Add 1.25 litres/2 pints of water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and leave in a sieve for 20–30 minutes.
Heat the oil in a heavy pot over a medium flame. When hot, put in the cumin seeds. Stir them about for 3 seconds. Now put in the chopped onion. Stir and fry until the onion is flecke