Mint rice
Originating from South Indian cuisine, Mint rice, also known as “pudina rice,” is a fusion of rice and the essence of fresh mint leaves. It stands out not just for its taste but also for its ability to evoke a sense of freshness and rejuvenation.
Besides its refreshing taste, mint is also known for its numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it not only adds a burst of flavour to the rice but also aids in digestion and provides a refreshing sensation. It makes a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal.
The Rice Base
Have you ever found yourself with leftover rice, unsure of what to do with it? The mint rice is here to save the day! Leftover rice may lack the freshness and flavour of freshly cooked grains, but with the addition of mint and spices, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. This South Indian dish breathes new life into leftover rice. The fluffy and separate grains are cooked to perfection, providing the ideal foundation for the infusion of minty goodness.
Quick and Convenient Preparation
Mint rice is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With leftover rice already on hand, the cooking process becomes even more streamlined. You can also prepare the mint paste and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply toss in the leftover rice with the mint paste and allow each grain to soak up the flavours! In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Love our refreshing Mint Rice? Try quinoa as a nutritious alternative for a light and wholesome meal!
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. A dollop of creamy yoghurt, a tangy pickle or a pappad complements the freshness of this dish beautifully. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a spicy curry.
Quick tip: Preparing mint paste in advance and storing it in the fridge is a fantastic time-saving idea. Having the mint paste ready in the fridge makes it incredibly convenient to whip up a meal in no time!
Mint rice
Ingredients
For the Mint paste
- 3 Tbsp oil (preferably sesame oil)
- 1 tbsp chana dal
- ½ tbsp urad dal
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 Green chillies adjust to your spiciness
- 1 bunch mint leaves
- Lemon size tamarind
- Water (as needed)
For the rice
- Cooked rice or leftover rice
- 3 Tbsp ghee
- ½ tsp mustard
- ½ tbsp chana dal
- 10-15 cashews or peanuts
- A few curry leaves
- 1 onion finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the rice if you don´t have any leftover rice.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add urad dal, chana dal, garlic, and green chillies and saute till the dals turn light brown.
- Add a bunch of cleaned and chopped mint leaves and a small lemon-sized tamarind. Saute for 3 minutes.
- Cool the mixture and blend them in a blender or a food processor. Blend until you get a smooth paste. You may need to add a tablespoon of water to help with the blending process.
- In the same pan, heat ghee and add chana dal. Saute until it turns light brown. Add the cashews or peanuts, mustard and curry leaves.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Once the onions are cooked, add the mint paste. Stir well and saute for a couple of minutes. If the mixture is too thick you can add 2 -3 tablespoons of water and combine them well.
- Now, add the cooked rice to the pan. Gently mix everything until the rice is well coated with the mint mixture. Be careful not to break the rice grains while mixing.
- Season with salt according to your taste. Stir to ensure an even distribution of salt throughout the rice.
- Once the rice is heated through and well combined with the mint mixture, turn off the heat.
- Drizzle 2 teaspoons of ghee for an extra burst of flavour (optional).
- Serve them with yoghurt, pickle, pappad or any curry of your choice.
Notes
- Mint rice offers a simple solution for utilizing leftover rice, breathing new life into each grain with its refreshing taste.
- Overcooked rice can become mushy, which isn’t ideal for this dish. Cooling the rice completely before mixing it with mint paste helps it maintain its texture and prevents it from clumping together. Cooking the rice the night before and storing it in the refrigerator is a smart way to save time and ensure it’s ready to go when you’re ready to make mint rice. Plus, chilled rice tends to work better in dishes like this, as it’s less likely to become sticky or soggy.
