Mint Rice

        Mint is an aromatic plant with amazing health benefits. Mint leaves helps in relieving indigestion , has medicinal values to reduce stomach pain, bloating and other digestive problems. Mint leaves also improves brain function and also improves cold symptoms. I have tried an easy recipe with mint leaves and rice. Try this and please share your comments.

Preparation Time: Under 15 minutes
Cooking Time: Under 15 minutes
Serves: 2 people

INGREDIENTS:

Mint leaves - 250 gms
Rice - 1.25 cups(uncooked)
Peanuts - a handful
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Mustard - 1/2 teaspoon


TO ROAST AND GRIND:

Oil - 1 tablespoon
Urad dal - 2 tablespoon
Green chilli - 2 to 3 no.s
Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic - 3 to 4 pods
Grated coconut powder - 2 tablespoon

METHOD:

1. Wash mint leaves two to three times. In a pressure cooker, add 1.25 cup rice and also add 2.5 cups of water and pressure cook in high for 1 whistle and simmer to 10 minutes and switch off. Allow the rice to cool completely. Also, in a pan, dry roast peanuts , till you get black spots.

2. In pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add urad dal, and roast until it turns golden brown and keep it aside.

3. Now , in the same oil add green chilli. Roast for sometime and keep it aside.

4. In the same oil, add cumin seeds, black pepper, garlic and fry for some time.

5. Now add grated coconut and fry till they change colour.

6. Keep the coconut aside. Now in the same pan, add some oil, and add mint leaves and fry for sometime , till they shrink. Do not cook for too long as the mint leaves loose flavor.

7. Now grind the mint leaves along with coconut,garlic, urad dal and chilli in to a smooth paste. In a pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Now add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add mint paste, turmeric powder, roasted peanuts and required salt. Fry for 2 minutes.

8. Now add cooked rice to the mint paste and mix gently .

9. Mint rice is ready. Serve with any curry of your choice.