Yellow Chili's

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Foods
  • Drinks
  • Collections
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Foods
    • Drinks
    • Collections
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Rice » Pudina Rice

    Pudina Rice Recipe (Mint Pulao)

    Published: March 27, 2021 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: October 31, 2024 Leave a Comment

    Facebook66PinterestRedditWhatsAppEmail
    66
    SHARES
    Jump to Recipe

    Enjoy the fresh, minty flavors of Pudina Rice, an easy one-pot Indian dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Also called Mint Pulao, this recipe mixes gentle spices with the bright taste of mint, making it great for any meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy family dinner, or even a lunchbox treat.

    Pudina Rice / Mint PulaoPin
    What You’ll Find On This Page
    • How to Make Pudina Rice?
    • Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)
    • Recipe Video
    • Chef's Notes and Tips
    • Nutrition Info
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Method 2: Pudina Rice in Instant Pot

    Pudina Rice brings a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the table. It pairs wonderfully with cool raita or Indian egg or curries, adding a creamy, refreshing touch to every bite.

    How to Make Pudina Rice?

    Let's make vibrant Pudina Rice, starting with a fresh pudina paste and cooking the rice to perfection. With our step-by-step guide, photos, and video, you’ll easily recreate this aromatic Indian classic in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

    Pudina Rice / Mint PulaoPin

    Explore a Variety of Rice Recipes:

    • Biryani Rice
    • Matar Pulao
    • Vegetable Biryani
    • Chicken Biryani
    • Fried Rice
    • Egg Fried Rice
    • Mushroom Biryani
    • Spanish Rice
    Pudina Rice Recipe / Mint Pulao RecipePin

    Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)

    Pudina Rice, also known as Mint Pulao, is a flavorful, vegan-friendly one-pot Indian meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a lunchbox treat, it pairs well with sides like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, or egg curry.
    5 from 2 votes
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
    Save This Recipe! print (text-only) pin
    Watch Video
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: South Indian
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 15 minutes mins
    Adjust 3 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    For Pudina Paste

    • 5 Garlic Cloves
    • ½ inch Ginger, chopped
    • ½ cup Mint Leaves
    • ¼ cup Water

    For Pudina Rice

    • 1 cup White Rice, washed
    • ¼ cup Oil
    • 2 Bay Leaves
    • 3 Cinnamon Stick, small
    • 5 Cardamom
    • 3 Cloves
    • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
    • 4 Green Chili, slited
    • 12 Cashew Nuts
    • Salt, to taste
    • 1 Onion, chopped
    • 1 tsp Chili Powder
    • 2 cup Water
    More on Unit Conversions »
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Preparing Pudina Paste

    • Place ginger, garlic, and fresh mint leaves in a blender. Start with a small amount of water, just enough to help the ingredients blend smoothly. If the paste is too thick, you can add a little more water, but avoid making it too runny—aim for a thick, smooth consistency that’s easy to cook with.
      Pudina, ginger and garlic in a blender
    • Blend the ingredients until you get a fine, even paste. Scrape down the sides of the blender if needed to make sure everything is fully incorporated. Once done, set the paste aside for use in your recipe.
      Mint or pudina paste

    Making Pudina Rice

    • Start by heating oil in your rice or pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add bay leaves, a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, cumin seeds, green chili, and cashews. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown and the spices release a fragrant aroma.
      Sautéing Indian spices and cashews
    • Add thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft and start to turn light golden. Cooking the onions until they soften adds a mild sweetness that balances the mint’s freshness.
      sautéing onions until soft
    • Stir in the chili powder, salt, and the prepared mint paste. Sauté this mixture until it begins to release oil, which helps deepen the flavors.
      Sautéing Indian spices and mint paste
    • Add the rice, stirring gently to coat each grain with the spice blend, so the flavors are evenly distributed throughout.
      Mixing rice and pudina paste
    • Pour in the measured water, keeping the right water-to-rice ratio for a fluffy texture. Give everything a final stir, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom and that the ingredients are well-mixed.
      Adding water and stirring the rice
    • Secure the lid on your cooker, adjust the pressure regulator, and let it cook until you hear three distinct whistles, signaling the rice is done.
      mint rice cooking in pressure or rice cooker
    • Once cooked, allow the pressure to fully release before opening the lid. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Your Pudina/Mint Pulao is now ready to savor and enjoy.
      Fluffing pudina rice or mint pulao

    Serving

    • Enjoy this flavorful Mint Pulao with a side of curd raita and your choice of veg or non-veg sides to complete the meal. For more pairing ideas, take a look at our Serving Suggestions section below.
      Serving pudina/mint rice or pulao

    Save This Recipe!

    We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!

    Save This Recipe!

    We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!

    Recipe Video

    Chef's Notes and Tips

    Here are some essential tips to help you make the perfect Pudina Rice.

    Cooking Tips:

    • Mint Paste: The secret to Pudina Rice’s fresh color and flavor is in the mint paste. Pick individual mint leaves off the stems, then grind them with ginger and garlic. This creates a smooth paste that infuses the rice with a deeper aroma and a vibrant green color. Avoid adding whole leaves with stems, as they don’t blend as well and won’t bring out the full flavor.
    • Rice Varieties: I usually go with white rice, but if you want to experiment, Basmati adds a lovely fragrance, while Seeraga Samba, with its small and soft grains, brings an earthy touch. Parboiled rice is also a good choice if you prefer a fluffier texture that holds its shape well.
    • Rice Water Ratio: I typically use either a 1:1½ or 1:2 ratio of rice to water, depending on the texture I want. The 1:1½ ratio gives a firm, fluffy texture, while 1:2 results in a softer, more tender rice.
    • Nutty Twist: Cashews bring a creamy crunch to the dish, but if you’re in the mood for a change, try using peanuts. Lightly toasting them before adding will give each bite a nice, crispy texture that pairs well with the flavors of the rice.
    • Vegan or Ghee-Laden: This recipe is naturally vegan, but adding a small spoonful of ghee at the end gives the rice a richer, buttery aroma. I like to add it for a special meal, but feel free to include or skip the ghee based on your preference.
    • Cooking Convenience: This recipe works well in both a rice cooker and an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is my go-to for a quick, fuss-free version, and I’ve shared detailed instructions for it in the section below—be sure to check it out if you’re interested. The rice cooker also does a great job, delivering perfectly cooked Pudina Rice with ease.

    Mint Rice Variations:

    • Vegetable-Infused: I like adding veggies like carrots, bell peppers, green beans, or small cauliflower florets right after the mint paste releases its oil. This adds color, texture, and extra nutrition, making it perfect for lunch boxes or family dinners.
    • Using Cooked Rice: Got leftover rice? This is an easy way to turn it into something special. Just sauté the spices and mint paste, then toss in the cooked rice. For a bit of crunch, I like to add toasted cashews or peanuts—they bring out a nice nutty flavor.
    • Coconut Milk Twist: For a creamy, mildly sweet flavor, replace half of the water with coconut milk. This variation adds richness and pairs beautifully with the mint, giving it a unique, slightly tropical taste.
    • Tomato Pudina Rice: If you enjoy a bit of tang, add chopped tomatoes with the spices instead of the mint paste. Sauté them until they’re soft and juicy. It’s similar to biryani, and the tomatoes add a nice, tangy twist.
    • Mint Coriander Rice: Blending fresh coriander leaves with mint for the paste adds an earthy, peppery flavor that balances the mint. This version is both flavorful and packed with antioxidants—a great option for a healthy twist.
    • Pudina Peas Pulao: Adding green peas while sautéing spices brings a natural sweetness and a pop of color. It’s a vegan-friendly variation that’s similar to Matar Pulao, perfect if you want something light and simple.
    • Additional Varieties: You can get creative with diced potatoes, cauliflower, or even chicken. Adding these brings new textures and flavors, making the dish feel hearty and unique for different meals.

    Nutrition Info

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 3mg

    Disclaimer

    We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.

    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

    Serving Suggestions

    Mint Pulao has a unique aroma and flavor that pairs well with a range of dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

    • Raita: A cool cucumber or boondi raita balances the spices in the pulao perfectly.
    • Indian Curries: Enjoy it with creamy curries like paneer tikka masala, veg korma, chicken curry, chicken Chettinad, or egg curry for a complete, satisfying meal.
    • Dal Variations: A side of Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani adds comforting, protein-rich flavors.
    • Grilled Proteins: Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or paneer tikka for a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
    • Papad and Pickles: Simple yet classic, crispy papad and tangy pickles always pair well with pulao.
    • Vegetable Stir-Fry: A lightly spiced vegetable stir-fry adds a healthy, vibrant touch.

    Storage Suggestions

    Pudina Rice is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, I recommend placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay good for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the portion you need to keep the flavors as fresh as possible.

    Method 2: Pudina Rice in Instant Pot

    If you don’t have a traditional pressure cooker or simply prefer using an Instant Pot, this method makes it easy to enjoy flavorful Pudina Rice.

    • Sauté Spices and Nuts: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Once hot, pour oil and add your whole Indian spices (like cumin seeds, cloves, and bay leaves) and cashews. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cashews turn golden and the spices release their aroma. This step helps deepen the flavors, so don’t skip it.
    • Cook Onions: Add finely sliced onions to the pot and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, or until they soften and turn light golden. Softened onions add sweetness to balance the mint’s freshness.
    • Add Spices and Mint Paste: Mix in the spices (like turmeric and chili powder) and the mint paste, and rice prepared like in the pressure cooker version. Sauté for a minute to bring out the flavors of the spices and mint.
    • Add Water and Deglaze: Pour in the water, keeping the correct water-to-rice ratio. Use a spatula to gently scrape the bottom of the pot (deglazing) to release any bits stuck from sautéing. This step helps prevent the rice from sticking or burning during pressure cooking.
    • Cook the Rice: Now cancel the saute mode and close the instant pot with its lid and pressure cook the rice on high for 5 minutes.
    • Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, press 'Cancel' and let the pressure release naturally, and wait until the floating valve goes down. This natural release keeps the rice intact and prevents it from becoming mushy.
    • Ready to Serve: After that, carefully open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and your Instant Pot Pudina Rice is ready to serve.

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate the Recipe!




    Hey, Nice to see you!

    Sangeetha Vel Yellow Chili's

    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

    More about me →

    Stay Connected

    Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube X

    Featured Recipes

    • Homemade pumpkin soup served in a green patterned bowl on a gray table. A wooden spoon, and a blue towel are neatly arranged around the bowl.
      Pumpkin Soup Recipe
    • Three slices of pumpkin bread on an oval white plate on a white table.
      Pumpkin Bread Recipe
    • Homemade creamed corn in a white bowl on a white table with a blue towel nearby.
      Creamed Corn Recipe
    • Homemade gravy in a white and brown patterned bowl on a white table, with a towel and a golden spoon placed nearby.
      Homemade Gravy Recipe
    • A white dish filled with warm spinach artichoke dip sits on a white table, with a blue towel nearby.
      Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
    • Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a baking tray.
      Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
    • Roasted vegetables in a baking tray with rice in a plate alongside
      Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
    • Green salad in a white bowl on a white table, surrounded by a blue towel.
      Green Salad Recipe with Lemon Vinaigrette

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe

    Copyright © 2025 Yellow Chili's By Yellow Bag LLC

    It looks like you have an ad blocker enabled. Creating this content requires significant effort and resources. Please disable your ad blocker to support our site so we can stay online and continue sharing content for free.

    Disable AdBlocker on Yellow Chili's

    Steps to Disable AdBlocker on Yellow Chili's

    AdBlocker Guide
    1. Find your Ad Blocker Extension Icon (e.g., Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin, AdGuard, Ghostery etc.) near the browser's address bar like above.
    2. If you don't see it, click the puzzle icon (🧩) to reveal hidden extension icons.
    3. Click the ad blocker icon and look for options such as "Pause on this Site" or "Whitelist this Site". Choose the appropriate option to allow ads on this site.
    4. If your ad blocker has a Toggle Switch or Power Button, disable it to allow ads on this site.
    5. Refresh the page to apply the changes.

    Rate This Recipe!

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.