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While there are many meat-based rice recipes that are popular, even the range of vegetarian and vegan rice pilaf and pulao recipes is wide. I created this vegan fried rice recipe accidently and now it is a regular in my kitchen. I made it with some leftovers and now this is how I make it! We all like to buy fresh herbs from the grocery store but sadly they come with a short shelf life. If not preserved well, they will wilt and you will have to throw them away! That way, I ensure minimal wastage and my recipes also turn out great with the addition of these delicious fresh herbs or greens. Another alternative is to use them to make fresh chutney or pesto sauce. This works even if the quantity of herbs is less. I keep them fresh by trimming off the ends and then storing them in zip-lock bags. Since I use these herbs regularly in my kitchen, I have tons of recipes featuring them. Here are some recipes where cilantro is the HERO of the dish - Cilantro Mathri, Cilantro Pot Noodles, Green Poha with Cilantro, Spinach Lentil Cilantro Rice, and Polenta Cilantro Bites. Some recipes where mint is the HERO are - Cucumber Lemonade, Potato Mint Pulao, and Mint Flavored Potato Bajra Pancake. I enjoyed cooking with mint in this recipe. It lent a different flavor to this rice recipe when used with pistachios. If you are looking for a new rice recipe, then do give this recipe a try. It helps alleviate stomach aches and soothes the digestive system, cleanses the stomach, and clears up skin disorders such as acne. Wow! Mint also helps in eliminating toxins from the body and acts as a blood cleanser. Try to add it to your weekly diet in some form or the other. It’s good!
It’s a vegan fried rice recipeA one-pot mealCan be made with leftover rice and mintThe recipe has some unusual flavors because of mint and pistachiosCan be made ahead of time and in large quantitySimple, quick and easy to makeA delicious side dish for any occasionIt is always a hit with grown ups and kids alike
Mint leaves - Use fresh mint leaves. Dried ones will not be an exact replacement but use them if that’s what you have. Pistachios - I get the raw unsalted variety. You can also get the roasted pistachios from the store for this recipe and skip the step of roasting them. Veggies - Onions, green peas, and green beans are the veggies I have used in this recipe. Feel free to add more veggies. Spices - mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chilly powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala are the basic ingredients needed to make this rice flavorful. Coconut - Use freshly grated coconut or use dry shredded coconut/unsweetened desiccated coconut. You can also use frozen coconut. Other ingredients like green chillies, ginger, and garlic are also needed to make this vegan fried rice. Rinse and then soak basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and add fresh water to cook the rice in a rice cooker. Once cooked, allow it to cool a bit, and then spread the rice onto a plate. Drizzle some vegan ghee over it and mix lightly. This will make the rice grains separated and grainy.
Dry roast pistachios in a pan for 30-40 seconds over a medium flame. Be careful to not burn them. Transfer the roasted pistachios to a nuts chopper and crush them coarsely. Keep aside for now. Dry roast coconut, mint leaves and roughly chopped green chillies. Add whole garlic and ginger too if not using paste. If using paste, there is no need to add them to the pan.After roasting for a minute or till the coconut turns light golden, take the pan off the flame. Allow to cool and then grind to a smooth paste after adding ginger paste, garlic paste and water.
Serve this Pistachio Mint Fried Rice warm with a side of raita and papad. You can add this dish to the holiday menu. It’s a wholesome side that can just be paired with a salad! You can also pack this vegan fried rice in lunchboxes, serve at special occasions, on festivals, parties, potlucks, events, or on a regular weekend! Add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, etc to this vegetarian pistachio mint rice pilaf/pulao recipe if you like. Like this recipe? Please show your love by leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.
