Healthy and Tasty Pudina Rice

Ingredients:

- 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes

- 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves (pudina)

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 green chilies, slit

- 1 tomato, pureed

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)

- 1 bay leaf

- 2 cloves

- 1 small cinnamon stick

- 1 star anise

- 2 cardamom

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash the mint leaves and chop them into small pieces. Grind a little more mint leaves separately to make a paste. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add fennel seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom and star anise. Fry them for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. Add green chilies and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes.

5. Stir in the turmeric powder and mix well.

6. Add the mint paste and mix again. Then add the tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes.

7. Now add the mint leaves and coriander leaves and stir everything together.

8. Add garam masala, salt, and yogurt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

9. Add water (ratio: 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice) and bring it to a boil.

10. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the cooker. Mix gently to coat the rice with the mint mixture.

11. Close the pressure cooker with the lid and cook for 1 whistle.

12. Once the whistle goes off, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.

13. Open the cooker, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

14. Serve hot with potato fry or any side dish of your choice.

Enjoy your tasty and healthy Pudina Rice!

"This quick and simple Pudina Rice recipe is perfect for packing a delicious lunchbox for kids."

For video explanation check below

https://youtu.be/KL_rljaTFZw

Benefits of Pudina:

Pudina, also known as mint, offers several benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits of consuming pudina:

1. Digestive Health: Pudina has been traditionally used to aid digestion. It may help relieve indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort. Pudina also possesses carminative properties, which can help alleviate gas and promote healthy digestion.

2. Fresh Breath: Pudina leaves have a refreshing aroma and can help freshen breath. Chewing on mint leaves or consuming mint-based products, like mint tea or mouth fresheners, can help combat bad breath.

3. Respiratory Health: The aroma of pudina can help clear congestion and provide relief from respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and sinus congestion. Inhalation of mint vapor or drinking mint tea may help soothe respiratory passages.

4. Antioxidant Properties: Pudina contains antioxidants that help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may have potential benefits for overall health and may contribute to reducing oxidative stress.

5. Oral Health: Pudina possesses antibacterial properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. It is a common ingredient in oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwashes.

6. Cooling Effect: Pudina has a cooling and soothing effect on the body. It is often used to alleviate symptoms of heat-related conditions like heat stroke or excessive body heat. Pudina-based drinks or infused water can help cool down the body during hot weather.

7. Potential Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that pudina may possess anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation in the body, which could be beneficial for conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel diseases.