Mint is a herb, which is used as a garnish or in teas or chutneys . Mint or Pudina is added, as a garnish too, in Pulaos and Biriyani . However, the recipe given here, is very flavourful and tasty one , made with mint . This dish , is a one pot meal and can be made quickly, if you have cooked rice . Mint rice , makes for a delicious lunch box option. If you are hungry, but short of time , you can make this variety rice quickly . A nourishing and satisfying meal .
Ingredients
- Mint 2 bunches
- Basmati Rice ( cooked ) 2 cups
- Onion 1 large ( chopped fine)
- Green chilies 4 (chopped fine )
- Ginger (grated) 1 teaspoon
- Garlic ( chopped ) 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
- Ghee / Oil 4 tablespoon
- Cloves 2
- Cardamom 1
- Cinnamon 2 inches
- Salt 2 teaspoons
- Bay leaves 1
- Coconut ( grated ) 1/4 cup
- Cashewnuts 1 tablespoon
Method
- In a kadai or a deep pan , heat two tablespoons of oil and add cumin seeds . When it crackles , add cloves , cardamom and cinnamon. Stir for few seconds , add chopped onions .
- Stir till they brown a little . Destalk the mint leaves and wash thoroughly .
- Add the mint leaves to the kadai and stir again for a few seconds .
- Grind the onion , mint mixture to a paste . Add rest of the oil, to the kadai again and shallow fry the cashew nuts . Remove and keep aside .
- Add prepared paste and shallow fry in the kadai / pan for a minute or so . Remove from heat .
- Add the rice and salt and stir with a fork . Add nuts and relish .
- Serve with Raita .
- Make sure that the cooked rice, is not mushy but separate . Use any good quality rice, of your preference .
- Instead of cloves , cinnamon and cardamom, add sambaar masala too , to get a different flavour .
- Garnish with grated coconut , if you wish so.
