Pudina Rice, also known as Mint Pulao, is a flavorful, vegan-friendly one-pot Indian meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a lunchbox treat, it pairs delightfully with sides like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, and egg curries.
Place ginger, garlic, and mint leaves in a blender. Add just enough water to blend.
Grind the ingredients into a fine paste and keep it aside for use in your recipe.
To Prepare Pudina Rice
Start by heating oil in your rice or pressure cooker on medium. Add in the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves, cumin seeds, green chili, and cashews. Sauté these until the cashews are golden brown.
Add the onions and sauté until soft.
Stir in the chili powder, salt, and your mint paste. Sauté until the mix starts to release oil.
Stir in the rice, making sure each grain is thoroughly coated with the spice blend for an even flavor distribution.
Pour in the water and give everything one last stir.
Secure the lid of your cooker, adjust the regulator, and allow it to cook until you hear three distinct whistles signaling it's done.
Wait for the pressure to fully release before opening the lid. Then, gently stir the rice. Your Pudina/Mint pulao is now ready for you to savor and enjoy.
To Serve
Enjoy serving this delightful Mint Pulao with your choice of curd raita, and either veg or non-veg sides to complete the meal.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make perfect Pudina Rice:
Cooking Basics:
Mint Paste Magic: The secret to Pudina Rice's unique color, aroma, and taste lies in its mint paste. Grinding the pudina leaves, rather than adding them whole, infuses the rice with a deeper flavor and a lush green hue.
Rice Varieties: While white rice brings its own charm to this dish, feel free to experiment with Basmati, Seeraga Samba, or other parboiled rice types to suit your preference.
Nutty Twist: I've added cashews for a rich seasoning, but why not try peanuts for an extra crunch? It's a simple switch that adds a delightful texture.
Vegan or Ghee-Laden: Catering to all palates, this recipe is inherently vegan. However, if you're inclined, a dollop of ghee can elevate the flavor, making it even more indulgent.
Cooking Convenience: Whether you're using a traditional rice cooker or an Instant Pot, this recipe adapts seamlessly, ensuring a quick and fuss-free cooking experience.
Mint Rice Variations:
Vegetable-Infused: Elevate nutrition by adding your favorite veggies after the mint paste releases oil. A versatile choice for lunch boxes or any meal.
Using Cooked Rice: Transform leftover rice by sautéing it with the recipe's ingredients, and optionally, add nuts like cashews or peanuts for crunch.
Coconut Milk Twist: For a richer flavor, substitute part of the water with coconut milk when cooking the rice.
Tomato Pudina Rice: Similar to biryani but without mint paste. Add tomatoes while sautéing masalas for a tangy twist.
Mint Coriander Rice: Blend coriander with mint paste for an antioxidant-rich, flavorful meal.
Pudina Peas Pulao: Add green peas while sautéing masalas for a vegan-friendly version, akin to Matar Pulao.
Additional Varieties: Experiment with potatoes, cauliflower, or even chicken for different takes on this versatile dish.