Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons onions, finely diced
  • Coarse salt, to taste
  • 1 cup carrots, 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped green beans
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cayenne chile, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup fresh peas
  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground tumeric
  • 4 cups cooked basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup toasted cashew nuts, chopped

Method

  • Peel seed, and cut the cucumber into 1/2-inch dice.
  • Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the ghee in a small saute pan over medium heat.
  • Add the mustard seeds and saute for about 3 minutes, or until the seeds begin to pop.
  • Remove immediately from the heat.
  • Combine yogurt and buttermilk in a mixing bowl.
  • Whisk in the mustard seeds and ghee.
  • Fold in 1/2 cup of the onion and the reserved cucumber.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt.
  • Cover and refrigerate the raita until ready to use.
  • Put the carrots and beans in a medium saucepan filled with rapidly boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds.
  • Drain well and refresh under cold running water.
  • Pat dry and set aside.
  • Put the remaining 1/4 cup of ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the cayenne chile, garlic, ginger, and the remaining onion and saute for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Add the lime juice.
  • Stir in the peas and the reserved carrots and beans and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the saffron, cumin, garam masala, and turmeric and saute for 1 minute.
  • Add the rice and continue to saute for an 5 additional minutes.
  • Stir in the cashews and serve with a bowl of tempered onion-cucumber raita on the side.