Feb 25, 2021

Mint-Cottage Cheese Pudina

Pudina Paneer Pulao is a very tasty, aromatic and flavorful Rice preparation. Cooked with the aromatic long grain Basmati Rice and flavored with traditional ‘khada masala’ as well a Garam Masala. The predominant aromas of Mint, Kasuri Methi and Coriander gives this pulao a mouth-watering aroma.

Add in the Veggies of your choice like Corn, Pea, Broccoli, Simla Mirchi and Dry Fruits of your Choice.

Enjoy this for Dinner or Lunch and accompany it with some Cucumber Raita, Boondi Raita or plain Yogurt.

you will love it as it has

Fantastic Aroma as it has the winning combination of Mint, Kasurimethi and Coriander leaves.
Fragrance of the Basmati rice.
Paneer Cube which are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
Flavours of Both Khada Masal and ground Garam masala.

Tip and Tricks

Use good quality long grain basmati rice for good results. The rice emanates a superb fragrance.
We have Spice it with garam masala, However if you want to tone down the Spice level use Dhaniya –Jeera masala
Give some standing time to the rice as the aroma bloom fully after the spices mature. Prepare about 1-2 hrs in advance and keep on warmer.
Do not skip the step of finally drizzling Desi Ghee, this is a game changer.
Adding vegetables to pulao is completely optional but highly recommended

Benefits of consuming Pudina/ mint leaves

Mint leaves have loads of antioxidants and phytonutrients, . They are vitamin A, vitamin C, and B-complex, phosphorous, calcium.Mint leaves also have anti-bacterial properties.
Being on of the rich sources of iron, potassium, and manganese they help in improving hemoglobin levels and improves brain function.
Mint leaves are low in calories and contain a minimal amount of protein and fat so you can add mint leaves in your weight recipes easily, by using it in Chutneys, paratha, pulao, chaas/buttermilk.

Portion Size: (3 people)

Prep Time: 15Min

Cook Time: 25Min

Ingredients for the Rice

1. Ghee/ Clarified Butter 1 tbsp

2. Cumin seeds 1 tsp

3. Masala Elachi 1

4. Green Cardamon Pods 2

5. Star anise 1

6. Cinnamon 1 inch

7. Bay Leaf 2

8. Basmati Rice 1 C

9. Water 1.5 C

10. Salt 1 tsp

Ingredients for Pudina –Vegetable Mix

1. Mint/ Pudina 2 C

2. Crushed kasuri Methi 1 tsp

3. Chopped Coriander leaves 2 tbsp

4. Onion 1 Large

5. Tomato 2 Medium

6. Ginger Grated 1 inch

7. Garlic diced 4-5 Cloves

8. Finger chipped Potato 1-2

9. Oil 1tbsp

10. Ghee ½+ ½ tsp

Instructions

Step 1

Wash 1 C of long grain Basmati Rice, Drain it and Soak in drinking water for ½ hr.

Drain and keep aside.

Step 2

In a Sauce-pan, add 1 tbsp of Ghee.

Step 3

When it melts add 1 tsp of Cumin. Allow it to splutter.

Add 1 Masala Elachi or Badi Elachi.

Two pods of Green Cardamon.

1 inch of Cinnamon broken into pieces.

2 Bay leaves.

and the drained Basmati Rice.

Now sauté for some time and add 1.5 C of water, Mix well,

add 1 tsp of salt. Now Cook covered for 8-10 Min

In another pan, add 1 tbsp of Oil.

fry 1 tbsp of broken Cashew Pieces and 1 tbsp of Golden Raisin.

Fry them golden pieces and the raisins puff up. Remove and drain and keep aside.

Add 200 Gms Paneer cubed and fry them golden brown and keep aside.

Add 1 large Onion diced and sauté till they soften

Add 1 inch of ginger, grated and 3-4 Cloves of garlic chopped and sauté till the Ginger Garlic lose their raw flavor.

Add 2 tomatoes chopped into pieces .

Add 2 Potatoes cut like Finger Chips.

Mix Well and Sauté. Now Cook Covered for 5-7 Min.

Uncover the cooked Veggies and Masala and add 2 C of roughly chopped Mint or Pudina. Mix well and shut of the Gas Stove.

Add the fried Dry Fruits, Paneer Cubes. Add Some Kasuri Methi and Chopped Coriander Leaves.

Mean While the Rice is cooked. Now pour in a Flat plate to cool and do not handle the rice grain too much as it might break. Sprinkle some oil to avoid the grain sticking. Allow to cool.