Pudina Rice: Mint Rice (No Onion Or Garlic)

Pudina rice – fragrant basmati with the freshness of mint leaves, the zing of ginger and lime, and nutty cashew goodness to round it all off.

This recipe is similar to cashew mint pulao in its key ingredients, but it distinguishes itself in the technique. Cashew mint pulao is a richer, more elaborate recipe: you cook the rice together with the mint and cashew nuts. Pudina rice on the other hand is quick and easy: you start off with made-ahead rice and do a final stir fry with mint masala.

This one’s also vegan-friendly and uses no onion or garlic.

You Need:

[Serves 1-2]

• Boiled basmati rice – 2 cups, cooked
• Mint leaves – small bunch (~1 packed cup of plucked leaves)
• Salt – to taste
• Green chilies – 2
• Ginger – 1/2 inch piece
• Lime juice – 1 teaspoon
• Cashew nuts – 1/4 cup
• Urad dal – 2/3 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Peanut oil – 1/2 tablespoon

In the picture above: urad dal, mustard seeds, cashew nuts.

How To Make Pudina Rice:

1. Chop and grind

Pluck and wash the mint leaves. Chop them roughly.

Peel and chop ginger. Slit green chilies.

Place the chopped mint leaves, ginger and green chilies in a grinder.

Grind to paste.

2. Cook

Keep the boiled basmati rice cool and ready to use.

Heat peanut oil in a wide non-stick pan.

To the hot oil, add urad dal, mustard seeds and cashew nuts. Set heat to low and stir around till the urad dal has darkened and the cashew nuts are flecked golden.

Transfer the ground mint paste to the pan.

Mix well. Continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle some water if the ground mint paste looks too dry.

Add salt to taste, and then transfer the cool boiled rice to the pan. Combine rice with the cooking mint paste – very carefully, don’t let the delicate rice grains mush.

Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring once in between.

Switch off the heat and stir in freshly squeezed lime juice.

Pudina rice (mint rice) is ready.

Serve warm.

Here it is with horsegram sprouts salad on the side:

Notes:

Tip: carry pudina rice in the lunchbox for a nutritious no-spill meal.

Try out other variety rice recipes from The Steaming Pot archives: 12 Vegetarian Rice Dishes.

Do more with fresh mint! Check out these recipes: