Pudina Rice Recipe (Mint Pulao) (2025)

Published: March 27, 2021 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: December 21, 2023 Leave a Comment

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Step into the flavorful world of Pudina Rice, a simple yet utterly delightful one-pot dish that's a staple in Indian cuisine. Known as Mint Pulao, this dish strikes a perfect harmony of freshness and spice, making it ideal for any meal. It's not just about satisfying hunger; it's about the joy of cooking something that's both easy and delicious, all in under 30 minutes.

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How to Make Pudina Rice?
Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Nutrition Info
Serving Suggestions
Storage Suggestions
Method 2: Pudina Rice in Instant Pot

Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or your everyday lunchbox, Pudina Rice promises to add a burst of color and aroma to your table. Let's dive into the making of this beloved classic, a dish that pairs wonderfully with raita and fills your kitchen with a captivating aroma.

How to Make Pudina Rice?

Get ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Pudina Rice to life, from preparing the fragrant pudina paste to cooking the rice to perfection. With our step-by-step guide, complete with photos and video, you'll effortlessly recreate this aromatic Indian classic in your own kitchen.

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Explore a Variety of Rice Recipes:

Biryani Rice
Matar Pulao
Vegetable Biryani
Chicken Biryani
Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice
Mushroom Biryani
Spanish Rice

Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)

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.

5 from 2 votes

Ingredients

For Pudina Paste

▢ ½ inch Ginger
▢ 6 Garlic Cloves
▢ ½ cup Mint Leaves
▢ ½ cup Water

For Pudina Rice

▢ 2 Bay Leaves
▢ 3 Cinnamon Stick, small
▢ 5 Cardamom
▢ 3 Cloves
▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
▢ 4 Green Chili, slited
▢ 12 Cashew Nuts
▢ Salt, as needed
▢ 1 tsp Chili Powder
▢ 1 cup Rice, washed
▢ 1 ½ cup Water
▢ ¼ cup Oil

Instructions

To Prepare Pudina Paste

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.
See Also
Pudina Rice (Mint Rice) - Swasthi's Recipes

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.

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Recipe Video

Chef's Notes and Tips

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.

Nutrition Info

Disclaimer

We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.

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Serving Suggestions

Mint Pulao, with its distinct flavors and aromas, pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some excellent pairing suggestions:

Raita Varieties: A cooling cucumber or boondi raita complements the spices of the pulao beautifully.
Curries: Pair it with rich, creamy curries like paneer tikka masala, veg korma, or chicken curry, chicken chettinad, and egg curry for a satisfying meal.
Dal Variations: A side of Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani adds a comforting, protein-rich element.
Grilled Proteins: Accompany it with grilled chicken, fish, or paneer tikka for added texture and flavor.
Papad and Pickles: Simple yet classic, crispy papad and tangy pickles are always a hit with pulao.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair with a lightly spiced vegetable stir-fry for a healthy and vibrant addition.

Storage Suggestions

It's best to enjoy Pudina Rice fresh, but if you need to store it, follow the instructions below.

Refrigeration: Store the pulao in a closed container in the refrigerator. It remains good for up to 2 days.
Freezing Option: For longer storage, freeze the pulao in an airtight container or zip lock bags. It stays fresh for up to a week.
Reheating: When ready to eat, defrost and reheat only the portion you plan to consume, ensuring optimal freshness and taste.

Method 2: Pudina Rice in Instant Pot

Discover the ease and flavor of making Pudina Rice in an Instant Pot, transforming this traditional dish into a quick and effortless delight.

Sauté Spices and Nuts: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Sauté the Indian spices and cashews until the nuts turn golden.
Cook Onions: Add onions to the pot and sauté until they soften.
Add Spices and Mint Paste: Mix in the spices and mint paste as per the rice cooker version of the recipe.
Add Water and Deglaze: Pour in water and gently scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits (deglazing) and prevent burning.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set it to 'Pressure Cook' mode, and cook for 5 minutes at high pressure.
Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking cycle ends and the Instant Pot beeps, hit 'Cancel'. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
Ready to Serve: Your Instant Pot Pudina/Mint Rice is now ready to enjoy!

This method ensures a fragrant and flavorful South Indian Pudina/Mint Rice, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Reader Interactions

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)