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Mint lemon Rice with Raisins

Mint lemon Rice with Raisins is a one-pot mint flavored rice with a tinge of lemon in it for that citrusy kick! All you need is a side of salad and/or raita or even just plain yogurt to make a complete meal of it.
Course Brunch, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Keyword gluten free, No garlic, No onions, plant based, quick, Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked Basmati rice or any long grained rice thoroughly cooled
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 serrano/jalapeno/large green chili sliced
  • 1 inch pieced ginger sliced
  • 2 to 3 tbsp oil or ghee if not vegan
  • 1 tsp cumin/jeera seeds
  • ½ cup corn kernels frozen
  • ½ cup green peas fresh/frozen
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. If cooked rice is not ready, make that first until al dente or just cooked; not too soft and not too hard with each grain long and separate. Cool thoroughly.
  2. Wash, drain and set aside green peas and corn kernels.
  3. If using fresh green peas, cook ahead first (or boil) until slightly tender.
  4. Same goes with corn.
  5. If using frozen, you can use it right away.
  6. In a small blender jar, place the washed and drained mint leaves, green chilies and ginger.
  7. Blitz to form a coarse paste.

TO MAKE THE MINT LEMON RICE:

  1. In a large wide saucepan, heat 2-3 tbsp oil.
  2. When the oil is hot, add 1tsp cumin seeds and let sizzle on medium heat for a few seconds to flavor the oil.
  3. Once done, add the vegetables; ½ cup each of corn and peas; sauté on medium heat with a dash of salt until slightly roasted; about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in cashew pieces and raisins (if using) and sauté, stirring continuously until they are slightly fried.
  5. Tip in the coarsely crushed mint leaves mixture and stir fry on medium heat for a minute or so just to bring out the aroma and flavor of the fresh mint leaves.
  6. Add the cooled and cooked long grain rice along with salt to taste and mix well.
  7. Heat thoroughly, stirring often until heated through.
  8. Shower with zest of lemon and mix again.
  9. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon (or as needed), mix well and remove from heat.
  10. Serve hot with a side of plain yogurt, raita or any cooling sauce or salad.
  11. Enjoy Foodies and Happy Cooking!

Recipe Notes

  • Using long grained rice like Basmati makes for a visually appealing and aromatic dish but you can use any rice as long as each grain is cooked and separate.
  • Adjust the amount of spices and seasonings according to personal preference.
  • Adding vegetables (whatever you have) is optional but makes for a wonderful and wholesome one-pot meal.
  • You can sauté some onions too if you want and maybe some garlic, if you love garlic.