Mint Rice (Pudina Rice)

Since i have bunch of mint leaves in storage, i decided to cook mint rice for lunch.  Normally i used to prepare tovaiyal with mint leaves which is my favorite.  Just for a difference i tried out mint rice. Besides i wanted to try this long time, ever since i tasted mint rice in an occasion. I remembered the recipe from the collection which i stored in my pc.  With few modification i present this recipe. I love this rice to be eaten with papadam.  Really scrumptious!  Even my small kid loves it very much!

Ingredients :

• Ghee


• 4 cloves


• 3 cardamoms


• 1 bayleaf


• 1 inch cinnamon


• 1 star anise


• 1 onion thinly sliced


• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste


• salt


• Cashew nuts


• 2 cups rice

To be grinded :

• 2 cup mint leaves


• 1 green chili


• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste


• 2 shallots


• 1/4 cup grated coconut

Preparation Method:

First blend all the ingredients for grinding to a smooth paste.  Washed and drain the rice and keep aside. I used cooker. Heat up cooker in a stove. Heat 2 tbsp ghee. Roast cashew nuts until golden brown. Keep aside.

Add another tbsp of ghee and add the spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaf and star anise). Fry till fragrant. Add thinly sliced onions. Saute to pinkish. Add a tbsp of ginger -garlic paste and fry for 2 minutes. Add Grinded paste and keep on stir until oil floats. Add salt and mix well.

Now add the washed rice and required amount of water.  Transfer the cooker to the electric pot and cook.

Garnish mint (pudina) rice with cashew nuts and served with papadam .  May serve with any yogurt raita or gravy. Best to serve hot.