- August 26, 2025
Mint Rice Recipe | Pudina Rice Recipe | How to Make Mint Rice at Home
Introduction
If you are looking for a flavorful, refreshing, and quick one-pot meal, the Mint Rice Recipe—also popularly known as Pudina Rice Recipe—is the perfect choice. This dish is not just aromatic but also packed with nutrition and cooling properties. Mint leaves (pudina) are known for their digestive benefits and refreshing taste, and when combined with rice and spices, they create a delicious mint pulao recipe that is light yet satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing lunch for the family, a healthy lunch box option, or a comforting one-pot dinner, easy mint pulao ticks all the boxes. It can be made quickly in a pressure cooker mint pulao or even in an instant pot mint rice version, making it convenient for modern kitchens.
In South Indian households, South Indian mint rice is a staple during summer because of its cooling properties. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can enhance it with vegetables, pair it with raita, or even serve it as part of a festive meal. Let’s explore how to make this healthy mint rice recipe step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Mint Rice Recipe
Quick & Easy: A one pot mint rice recipe that takes less than 30 minutes.
Healthy Choice: Naturally vegan mint rice and gluten-free mint rice recipe.
Aromatic & Flavorful: Infused with fresh mint, spices, and rice.
Versatile: Can be enjoyed as pudina rice for lunch box, dinner, or as a side dish with curry.
Diet Friendly: Perfect for those who love light, refreshing meals.
Ingredients for Mint Rice (Pudina Rice)
Here’s what you need to prepare this spicy mint rice at home:
For Mint Paste:
1 cup fresh mint leaves (pudina)
½ cup fresh coriander leaves
2 green chilies
1 small onion (optional, for flavor)
4 garlic cloves
1-inch ginger
2 tbsp grated coconut (optional, for mint rice with coconut)
2 tbsp water (for grinding)
For Rice:
1 cup basmati rice (soaked for 20 minutes)
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 bay leaf
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
2 cardamoms
1 onion (sliced)
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans, optional for mint rice with vegetables)
Salt to taste
2 cups water
How to Make Mint Rice Step by Step
Follow this mint rice step by step guide for a flavorful pulao:
Step 1: Prepare the Mint Paste
Wash and clean the mint and coriander leaves.
Add mint, coriander, green chilies, ginger, garlic, coconut, and onion to a blender.
Grind into a smooth paste using minimal water.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Base
Heat ghee/oil in a deep pan, pressure cooker mint pulao, or instant pot mint rice setting.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds.
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden.
Add the mint paste and fry until the raw aroma disappears.
Step 3: Add Rice and Vegetables
Stir in soaked and drained basmati rice.
Add salt, mixed vegetables (if using), and 2 cups water.
Cook on medium heat until rice absorbs water.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Once cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve hot with raita, papad, or pickle.
Your delicious aromatic pudina pulao is ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This restaurant style mint pulao pairs beautifully with:
Cucumber raita or boondi raita
Paneer butter masala or dal tadka
Papad and mango pickle
A glass of chilled buttermilk
It’s also perfect as a pudina rice for lunch box or a quick dinner option.
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Sama Rice Pulao Recipe,Masala Rice Recipe,Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Variations of Mint Rice Recipe
Mint Rice with Vegetables – Add carrots, beans, and peas for a wholesome meal.
Mint Rice with Coconut – Grind coconut with mint leaves for a richer flavor.
South Indian Mint Rice – Temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies.
Spicy Mint Rice – Add extra green chilies for a fiery version.
One Pot Mint Rice – Cook everything together in an instant pot mint rice setting for ease.
Chef Tips for Perfect Mint Rice
Always use fresh mint leaves for the best aroma.
Do not overcook the rice; keep grains fluffy.
Fry the mint paste well to remove raw flavors.
Adjust green chilies as per spice preference for spicy mint rice.
Soak rice for at least 20 minutes before cooking for a fluffy mint rice texture.
Health Benefits of Mint Rice
Mint is rich in antioxidants, helps in digestion, and keeps the body cool.
This healthy mint rice recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free mint rice recipe.
A lighter alternative to heavy pulao and biryanis.
Suitable for kids and adults alike.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make mint rice without onion and garlic?
Yes, for a sattvic or no-onion garlic version, skip onion and garlic and just use mint, ginger, and green chili paste.
Q2: Can I make this recipe with leftover rice?
Absolutely! Just stir fry the mint paste in oil, then mix it with cooked rice to make quick mint rice recipe with leftover rice.
Q3: How to make instant pot mint rice?
Cook on “Pressure Cook” mode for 5 minutes with 1 cup rice and 2 cups water. Natural release for 10 minutes.
Q4: Can I use brown rice or millet instead of basmati?
Yes, this healthy mint rice can be adapted with millets, brown rice, or quinoa for a nutritious twist.
Q5: Is pudina rice suitable for lunch boxes?
Yes! It stays fresh for hours, making it ideal as a pudina rice for lunch box meal.
Interesting facts
The Mint Rice Recipe (Pudina Rice Recipe) is a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful dish that fits perfectly into everyday meals. From a simple one pot mint rice to restaurant style mint pulao, this dish is versatile, quick, and always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for family, packing a lunch box, or serving guests, this dish will surely impress.
So, next time you wonder how to make mint rice, try this recipe and enjoy the fresh, aromatic pudina pulao with your favorite side dish!
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Sama Rice Pulao Recipe,Masala Rice Recipe,Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Mint Rice Recipe(Pudina Rice),Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Mango Kalakand RecipeRava Kesari Recipe | South Indian Sooji Halwa |Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
Follow us on :
