Don't dismiss the packaged in the UK statement. Due to taxation on rice coming into Europe allready milled. Most rice on sale will have been milled and packaged in the EU. Look more for where the rice was grown, if it says basmati but does not mention much else. Most likely to be from the USA. Get hold of The Rice Book by Sri Owen. For a beter in-site. I tend to stick to Pakistani grown.
Hi How about dried onion flakes, you could crush them at home to a fine powder. Then in the field fry with a little oil and spice etc. Add your veg then add your water to get the right consistency.
Apologies if you have been asked this before SS. Could you please name these places, location and year. I myself miss the Balti houses of Staffordshire from the 80's.