Pudina Rice - Mint Rice (NO Onion No Garlic)

Mint Leaves/Pudina has got a lot of health benefits such as aiding digestion, promoting respiratory health, and weight loss. They are rich in Vitamins and minerals. Pudina Rice is made using rice, vegetables, Mint Leaves, and aromatic spices.

Planning & Pre-Preparation: 10 mins
Soaking Time: 20 mins
Cooking time: 10-15 mins.

Ingredients 1

• Basmati Rice - 1 Cup
• Water - 1.5 Cups
• Butter - 2 Tbsp.
• Cardamom/Elachi – 2
• Cloves/Lavang – 3
• Tomatoes (Chopped) - 1/4 Cup
• Green Capsicum - 1/4 Cup
• Carrot - 1/4 Cup
• French Beans - 1/4 Cup
• Potatoes - 1/4 Cup
• Broccoli - 1/4 Cup
• Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
• Salt – per taste

Ingredients 2 (Masala Paste)

• Mint/ Pudina – Handful
• Coconut (Chopped) - 1/4 Cup
• Green Chillies – 2
• Ginger (roughly chopped) - 1 Tbsp.
• Pepper – 1/2 Tbsp.
• Cumin Seeds/ Jeera – 1/2 Tbsp.

Directions

1. Soak Basmati Rice in water for about 20 mins.
2. Blend Ingredients 2 into a fine paste and keep aside.
3. In a pressure cooker, add 2 Tbsp. of butter and sauté spices such as Cardamom/Elachi, cloves, and Tomatoes. Sauté till the tomatoes turn mushy.
4. Now add Green Capsicum, Carrot, French Beans, Potatoes, Broccoli to the cooker. Sauté for about a minute.
5. Then add Masala Paste and mix well.
6. Drain the soaked rice and then start adding the rice to the cooker. Spread evenly.
7. Now Add Water, Turmeric powder, and Salt.
8. Cover and cook for about 3 whistles and turn off the flame. Once the pressure settles down, open and gently mix the rice. Pudina Rice is ready to serve along with raita.

Points to be Noted

1. Different rice brands may require different levels of water. Kindly read packet instructions for water quantity. I have used India Gate Basmati Rice – Select variety. 
2. After turning off the flame allow the pressure to naturally settle down and use a fork or reverse side of spatula for mixing up the rice. Or you can also transfer the rice to a plate and mix it gently.