Infused with the refreshing flavor of fresh mint leaves, pudina rice, also known as mint pulao, is a delicious and aromatic one-pot dish. This vibrant green rice is a treat for your taste buds and a wholesome meal that is vegan and gluten-free.
In this blog, we have shared the recipe for pudina rice- a dish that combines fresh mint with fragrant basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of whole spices to create a dish that is bursting with flavors. For added nutrition, we include green peas and potatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Whether served with raita, pickle, or papad, pudina rice can become your go-to dish for a quick and tasty meal.
Let’s begin!
What Makes this Recipe Special?
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Packed with Fresh Flavors: The combination of mint, coriander, and species, creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
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Nutritious and Wholesome: It is a healthy meal option that has abundant fresh herbs and veggies.
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Quick and Easy: This simple, one-pot recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
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Perfect for meal prep: Ideal for lunch boxes and busy weeknights.
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Vegan and Gluten-free: Pudina rice is suitable for different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Mint Paste:
1 cup fresh mint leaves (pudina)
½ cup fresh coriander leaves
½ teaspoon chopped ginger
½ teaspoon chopped garlic
1–2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh grated coconut (or 2 tablespoons coconut milk)
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
2-3 tablespoons water (for blending)
For the Rice
1 cup basmati rice (soaked for 20 minutes and drained)
2 tbsp oil (neutral-flavoured)
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf (tej patta)
2 green cardamoms
3 cloves
2 strands of mace
½ cup thinly sliced onions (1 medium-sized onion)
1 small tomato, chopped
1 small potato, cubed
¼ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon red chilli powder
1.5 to 2 cups water
Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Mint Paste
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Add mint leaves, coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, green chillies, coconut, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a mixer grinder.
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Blend into a smooth paste by adding 2-3 tbsps of water and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
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Now, heat oil in a pan or pressure cooker over medium heat.
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Add cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and mace, and saute for a few seconds until aromatic.
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Add sliced onions and saute until golden brown.
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Stir in the prepared mint paste and saute for 1-2 minutes.
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Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder and mix well.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
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Add chopped tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas and saute for a minute.
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Stir in the soaked and drained rice and mix gently to coat it with spices.
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Pour in 1.5 to 2 cups of water and add salt for taste.
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Cover and cook until the rice is fully cooked (about 2-3 whistles in a pressure cooker or 12-15 minutes in a pan)
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Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Relish pudina rice with onion-tomato raita, boondi raita, or plain yogurt for a cooling contrast.
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Pair with pickle, papad, or a side salad for added crunch and flavor.
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Add a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to enhance the taste even further.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pudina Rice
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Long-grain basmati rice offers the best texture and aroma.
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To prevent rice from turning mushy, soak it for at least 20 minutes.
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Add green chillies as per your spice preference.
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You can also add carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, or French beans for added nutrition.
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For cooking in an open pan, increase water to 2.5 cups and cook covered until the rice is tender.
Wrapping Up,
As a simple and flavorful dish, pudina rice brings the refreshing taste of mint to your table. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a lunchbox-friendly meal, this pudina pulao is a must-try meal option. Aromatic and healthy, this dish can be paired with a variety of side dishes.
Try this recipe at home today and enjoy the goodness of fresh mint in every bite!
