Today’s Pudina rice recipe is nothing other than flavorful Simple Mint Rice with a full serving of vegetables for a sumptuous supper.
Instant Pot Mint rice or mint pulao is made with fresh mint leaves, tomatoes, and rich supporting spices.
The happiness that comes from consuming nature’s wonder herb in a way that extracts the most goodness from it. It is even better if you have your own homegrown organic Mint leaves.
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The aroma of fresh herbs and rice gives immense satisfaction once they are cooked. Enjoy this pressure-cooked pudina rice with a supporting ‘cool’ raita that balances the flavor.
This recipe is just what you need on a busy weekday evening when you are not sure what to prepare. Who doesn’t appreciate a meal that can be prepared in 30 minutes!
I do not have to go to length about the nutritional benefits of mint because you can find plenty of information online.
What makes this recipe special is how you can mix it with cumin and coriander powder to really bring out all the flavors there are to it.
Furthermore, garnishing with cashews brings a royal touch to this pudina pulao recipe.
I am updating this recipe with new pictures and also included the procedure to prepare it with the Instant pot.
The gist of the method lies in preparing the spices the right way and not in the cooking method.
So if you do not have an Instant Pot that’s totally fine. Both the versions are equally easy and you can be done in less than 30 minutes.
Main Ingredients
The list of ingredients I have used is somewhat long (Although worth every ounce!). So you will have to make sure you have all the ingredients before you get started.
Pudina or mint leaves: You will need a good bunch of mint leaves for this recipe. If you do not have access to fresh mint, then you can use dried mint leaves too.
Tomatoes: I have used medium-sized tomatoes for this recipe, which are finely chopped. You can use any variety of tomatoes like Roma, cherry tomatoes, or even grape tomatoes
Basmati rice: Use good quality basmati rice for this recipe. Do not use regular long-grain rice as it will not taste the same.
Spices: I have used a combination of whole spices like cumin seeds and cinnamon along with red chili powder to make this mint rice recipe.
Frozen peas (optional): I have used frozen peas for this recipe, but you can use fresh peas too. If you are using fresh peas, then cook them before adding them to the rice.
Roasted cashews: I have used roasted cashews. You can use any variety of nuts like almonds, pistachios, or even peanuts.
Below I have shared the video of mint pulao in the recipe card.
Instant Pot Method
If you are looking for a faster way to cook mint rice, the pressure cooker method is perfect for you. Here’s the procedure to prepare the same dish with the Instant Pot cooker.
First press saute mode in Instant Pot and add a few teaspoons of oil. As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds and saute until they start to sizzle.
Add chopped onions, and saute until it's translucent. Add chopped tomatoes. Saute it for another 20-30 sec. Now, add all the spices one by one and continue to stir well.
Add frozen peas or any choice of your vegetables. Add freshly chopped mint leaves. Mix well. Now add the rinsed Basmati Rice, water, and salt, and give a good stir.
Press ‘Cancel’ to stop sauteing and close the instant pot lid. Press the ‘pressure cook’ setting and set the timer for 4 mins high pressure.
After the timer expires, use the natural pressure release option. Open the lid when it is safe to do so.
Flavorful mint or pudina rice is ready! Serve it hot with a pairing like a curry or raita!
Tips and variations
- You could also add vegetables like potatoes, beans, carrots, cauliflower, and bell pepper when you saute the onion and tomatoes.
- For this pudina rice recipe, I have used basmati rice, but mint pulao or rice can also be prepared with sona masuri rice too.
- You can skip the cashew nuts if you do not prefer that flavor. Instead, you could add roasted peanuts.
- If you prefer to use brown rice instead of basmati or sona masuri rice, be sure to follow the stovetop method.
Shelf life
Mint has got several benefits for the human body and is widely used as an ingredient for proper digestion.
The shelf life for fresh leaves is decent when you store them in an airtight container.
Instead of storing fresh leaves, you can prepare a big batch of mint rice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you store it for longer, the sharp mint flavor tends to fade away.
Pairing suggestion
Most Indian rice recipes are a little too dry to eat without a pairing.
The instant pot mint rice recipe is no exception to that. Serve pudina rice hot with a pairing such as raita. You can also pair it with lobia masala or aloo matar if you prefer your rice to be hot and spicy.
South Indians prefer to eat pudina rice or any type of cooked rice with raita.
Related recipes
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pudina Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cup basmati rice
- 1½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon ground Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chopped red onions
- 1 cup chopped mint leaves
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cashews
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ cup frozen peas
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- First press saute mode in Instant Pot and add a few teaspoons of oil. As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds and saute until they start to sizzle.1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Add chopped onions, and saute until it's translucent. Add chopped tomatoes. Saute it for another 20-30 sec. Now, add all the spices one by one and continue to stir well.¼ teaspoon ground Black pepper, ½ teaspoon Coriander powder, ½ teaspoon Garam Masala powder, 1 teaspoon Red chili powder, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder, 1 cup chopped red onions, ½ cup chopped tomatoes, ½ teaspoon Cumin powder
- Add frozen peas or any choice of your vegetables. Add freshly chopped mint leaves. Mix well. Now add the rinsed Basmati Rice, water, salt and give a good stir.1½ cup basmati rice, 1 cup chopped mint leaves, ½ cup frozen peas, 1½ cup water
- Press ‘Cancel’ to stop sauteing and close the instant pot lid.
- Press the ‘pressure cook’ setting and set the timer for 4 mins high pressure.
- After the timer expires, use the natural pressure release option. Open the lid when it is safe to do so. Add chopped cilantro(optional) and roasted cashews. Flavorful mint rice is ready!¼ cup chopped cashews
Stovetop method
- Place a pan over medium heat and fry chopped cashews over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- When they turn golden brown, remove the cashews and fry cumin seeds with the remaining oil.
- Saute the cumin seeds for about 20 seconds and add chopped onions and continue to saute until they turn transparent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and saute for a minute.
- Now, add all the spices (Coriander powder, Cumin powder, Garam Masala powder, Black pepper, and Chilli Powder) and stir for about a minute and cover with a lid.
- Let it cook for about 2 minutes and then add the chopped mint leaves and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Now add the fried cashews and turn off the heat.
- Mix this with cooked rice (White or Brown) in a large bowl. Enjoy the mint rice with raita
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Video
Notes
- For the stovetop method, cook the rice before and have it ready as you prepare the spices and mint. To prepare the rice correctly, use 1.5 cups of water for every cup of basmati rice. If you are using an Instant Pot for cooking rice, you will need equal parts of water and basmati rice.
- You could add vegetables like potatoes, beans, carrots, cauliflower, and bell pepper when you saute the onion and tomatoes.
- For this pudina rice recipe, I have used basmati rice, but mint pulao or rice can also be prepared with sona masuri rice too.
- You can skip the cashew nuts if you do not prefer that flavor. Instead, you could add roasted peanuts.
- If you prefer to use brown rice instead of basmati or sona masuri rice, be sure to follow the stovetop method.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Prashanthi
This was really simple and super delicious . Made it in instant pot and followed your measurements . The spice level was perfect
Uma Raghupathi
Very happy to hear Prashanthi!
Geetha Narasimhan
Uma Raghupathi
I made it in the IP. Added a cup of frozen mixed veggies. It was delicious. My husband who can’t stand the smell of mint couldn’t even tell that it was “Mint Rice” and we both loved it. Just became vegan and switching from ghee to coconut oil was a breeze. Did not miss ghee at all in this recipe. A definite keeper and will make it again! ❤️❤️
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you, Geetha. Very happy to hear that this pudina rice is worked out for your family!
jayashree
This looks delicious !
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you Jayashree 🙂
The Belly Rules The Mind
I am sure this must be loaded with flavors. I have never tried Pudina Rice before. Good ideas
Traditionally Modern Food
I am a big fan of mint flavour. Your version looks delicious with a nice blend of spices, perfect lunch box recipe
Priya Srinivasan
Looks delicious, an easy recipe for lunchboxes too! i make mint rice often and never tried with onions and tomatoes. Will give this recipe a try next time i make!
Uma Raghupathi
Thanks Priya 🙂
irishbakingadventures
I bake with mint a lot but I've never used it much in savory dishes This recipe has inspired me to use it more in my savory baking.. A really delicious recipe