Pudina Rice Recipe – A Flavorful South Indian Delight
Description
Pudina Rice, also known as Pudina Pulao, is a vibrant and aromatic rice dish made with fresh mint leaves. A true favorite among children, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy lunch boxes or as a satisfying meal alongside curd. With its light yet flavorful profile, Pudina Rice offers a refreshing twist to traditional rice dishes. It’s a perfect option for both lunch and dinner.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Fresh Mint Leaves | 2-1/2 cups |
| Green Chilies | 3, chopped |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
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Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice. If you have leftover rice, this recipe works wonderfully with it as well. The texture of the rice will remain light and fluffy when mixed with the fragrant mint paste.
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Prepare the Mint Paste: Thoroughly wash the mint leaves to remove any dirt or debris. In a mixer grinder, combine the mint leaves, chopped green chilies, and tamarind paste. Grind these ingredients into a smooth paste.
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Temper the Spices: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter for about 10 seconds, releasing their flavor into the oil.
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Sauté the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. This brings out their sweetness, which will balance the sharpness of the mint.
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Cook the Mint Mixture: Add the prepared mint paste to the onions and mix well. Stir in the salt to taste and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Combine with Rice: Once the mint mixture is cooked and aromatic, add the freshly cooked rice into the pan. Gently mix the rice with the mint mixture to ensure each grain is well-coated. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Pudina Pulao hot with a side of Tadka Raita, Kachumber Salad, and crispy Papad. It’s a refreshing and wholesome dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pudina Rice:
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Leftover Rice: This recipe works beautifully with leftover rice, which helps to speed up the process and infuses the rice with all the minty goodness.
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Make It Spicy: For an extra kick, you can add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder, depending on your spice preference.
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Mint Leaves: Use fresh mint for the best flavor. If fresh mint isn’t available, you can use dried mint, though it may not have the same vibrancy.
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Tamarind Paste: The tamarind paste adds a subtle tang to the dish, balancing the freshness of the mint. You can adjust the quantity based on your taste.
This Pudina Rice recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a fragrant, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s an ideal dish to pair with cooling raita and crispy sides for a satisfying meal.
