Green Pea & Mint Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Green Pea & Mint Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a flavorful, comforting meal that doesn’t take forever to make. This Green Pea & Mint Rice is exactly that! It’s a dish I first made when I was craving something fragrant and fresh, and it’s become a regular in my kitchen ever since. It’s a beautiful blend of aromatic spices, sweet peas, and refreshing mint – seriously, it’s sunshine in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick – ready in under 30 minutes! It’s easy, even for beginner cooks. And most importantly, it’s bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a simple, satisfying meal that feels a little bit special. Plus, the vibrant green color is just so appealing!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ½ cup fresh green peas
• 2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• ½ cup onion, sliced
• 1 green chilli (adjust to your spice preference!)
• ⅛ cup mint leaves
• 1.5 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small bayleaf
• 0.5 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 small star anise

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things can really make or break this dish!

• Basmati Rice: Seriously, use basmati. It’s the key to that lovely fluffy texture and delicate aroma. Other rice varieties can get mushy. I usually use a 1:1.5 rice to water ratio, but adjust based on your rice.
• Ghee vs. Oil: Ghee adds a richness and nutty flavor that’s just divine. But if you’re avoiding ghee, oil works just fine! I like to use a neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable.
• Regional Variations: This recipe is inspired by both jeera rice (cumin rice) and matar pulao (pea rice). Different regions of India have their own spin on these dishes. Some add a pinch of turmeric for color, others include a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, soak your basmati rice in water for 15-30 minutes. This helps it cook up fluffy and separate. Then, give it a good rinse and drain.
2. Now, heat the oil and ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and star anise. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds – you’ll smell the amazing aroma!
3. Add the green chilli and ginger garlic paste. Sauté until golden brown, usually about a minute or two. Don’t let the garlic burn!
4. Toss in the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This takes patience, but it’s worth it for the flavor.
5. Mix in the mint leaves and sauté for just a minute. You want to release their fragrance, but not cook them to death.
6. Add the fresh or frozen green peas and sauté for another 2 minutes.
7. Add the drained rice and sauté briefly, just to coat it with all those lovely spices.
8. Pour in the water, adjust the salt to your liking, and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 3 whistles on medium flame.
9. Let the pressure release naturally. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Be gentle – you don’t want to break the grains!
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Green Pea & Mint Rice to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Fluffy Rice Secret: Soaking the rice is crucial! It helps the grains cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
• Avoiding Sticky Rice: Don’t overcook the rice! Keep a close eye on the pressure cooker and let the pressure release naturally.
• Spice Balance: Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of green chilli and salt to your preference.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil. Coconut oil adds a lovely subtle flavor!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices are sourced from a gluten-free facility if you’re particularly sensitive.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce or omit the green chilli.
  • Medium: Use 1 green chilli.
  • Spicy: Add 2 or more green chillies, or a pinch of red chilli powder.
• Festival Adaptations: This rice is perfect for festive occasions! Serve it during Holi with a side of gujiya (sweet dumplings) or during Eid with sheer khurma (vermicelli pudding).

Serving Suggestions

This Green Pea & Mint Rice is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side dish! I love pairing it with:

• Raita: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and spices.
• Dal: A comforting lentil curry.
• Vegetable Curry: A flavorful vegetable dish like aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry) or bhindi masala (okra curry).

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

1. What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Basmati rice is the way to go! It has the perfect texture and aroma for this dish.

2. Can I use frozen mint instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Use about 2 tablespoons of frozen mint.

3. How do I adjust the amount of green chilies for less heat?
Reduce the amount of green chilli or remove the seeds before adding it to the recipe.

4. What if I don’t have a pressure cooker? Can I cook this in a pot?
Absolutely! Cook the rice in a pot with 2 cups of water, covered, over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

5. Can this rice be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and reheat it. It might lose a little bit of its fluffiness, but it will still be delicious!

6. What is the role of ghee in this recipe and can it be substituted?
Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor. You can substitute it with oil, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Enjoy making this recipe! I hope it brings a little bit of Indian sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!