Craving a flavorful, refreshing, and healthy rice dish? Mint Pulao is the perfect choice! This fragrant rice recipe combines fresh mint, aromatic spices, and vegetables for a dish that’s light, cooling, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunchbox idea or a delicious dinner option, this easy Mint Pulao recipe will win hearts!
Why You’ll Love This Mint Pulao Recipe
✔ Bursting with fresh mint & coriander flavor
✔ Light, non-greasy, and digestion-friendly
✔ Perfect for summer – keeps the body cool
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Great for lunchboxes or parties
Ingredients for Mint Pulao
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Fresh mint leaves | 1 cup |
| Fresh coriander | ½ cup |
| Green chillies | 2 (adjust to taste) |
| Grated coconut | 2-3 tbsp |
| Ginger | 1 small piece |
| Garlic | 2-3 cloves |
| Ghee | 3 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | ½ tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Cloves | 2-3 |
| Cinnamon | 1 small piece |
| Green cardamom | 1 (optional) |
| Carrot (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green peas | ½ cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Mint Pulao Recipe
1. Prep the Rice
- Wash 1 cup basmati rice and soak for 15-20 mins for fluffy grains.
2. Make the Mint Paste
- In a blender, combine:
- 1 cup mint leaves
- ½ cup coriander
- 2 green chillies
- 1-inch ginger
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 2-3 tbsp grated coconut
- Grind into a coarse paste (add a splash of water if needed).
3. Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a pan.
- Add:
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon
- 1 cardamom (optional)
- Sauté until fragrant.
4. Sauté Vegetables
- Add 1 chopped carrot and ½ cup peas.
- Stir-fry for 2 mins.
5. Cook the Mint Paste
- Add the mint-coriander paste.
- Cook for 3-4 mins until the ghee separates.
6. Add Rice & Cook
- Drain the soaked rice and add to the pan.
- Lightly fry for 2 mins.
- Pour 2 cups water, add salt, and mix well.
- Cover & cook on low flame for 10-12 mins.
7. Fluff & Serve!
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
- Serve hot with raita or pickle!
Health Benefits of Mint Pulao 🌿
✅ Cooling Effect – Perfect for summer, prevents heat exhaustion.
✅ Digestive Aid – Mint soothes the stomach & reduces bloating.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Boosts immunity.
✅ Nutrient-Packed – Coconut & veggies add vitamins & fiber.
Pro Tips for the Best Mint Pulao
🔹 Use fresh mint for maximum flavor.
🔹 Soak rice for fluffy texture.
🔹 Adjust spice level with green chillies.
🔹 Replace ghee with oil for a vegan version.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 With raita & papad – Classic combo!
🍽 With cucumber salad – Light & refreshing.
🍽 As a lunchbox meal – Stays fresh for hours.
Final Thoughts
This Mint Pulao is a fragrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weekdays or special meals. The fresh mint and coriander add a unique taste, while the spices and veggies make it wholesome.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a royal treat in every bite.
Loved this recipe? Share your cooking pics with us in the comments.