Pudina/Mint Fried Rice

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 10 Minutes

Cuisine : South Indian (Fusion )

This is a  smart utilization of left over rice or fresh rice and a simple recipe for lunch boxes with refreshing flavor of mint . Mint or Pudina has a very refreshing flavor which is so unique making it a main ingredient in Dum Biryani , when I have  a bunch of  mint  left in my refrigerator for a long time it made me rethink the option of making the biryani which is painfully very time taking (although tastes amazing ) ,so I opted for a fried rice instead.
The real challenge is to prep for the ingredients  as they  should not be  strong competitors to mint but should enhance it's taste  , hence eliminated traditional ginger garlic & onions.
The key in making the dish lies in the selection of ingredients and the sequence in which they are added, so, I  selected some ingredients which can alone stand up to the taste by not sinking into the strong aroma of mint but add their uniqueness to the dish .Cooking a delicious dish does not end with taste it should provide a  good amount  of carbs , proteins and vitamins  after consuming, try to infuse some protein and green veggies into your plate , as esp rice is full of carbs which may fill the tummy but not the energy .
Infusing some vibrant greens like green peas or lima beans or spinach along with the mint really pops out the color along with taste and you will be happy as your kids enjoy their protein & vitamins  (as for fried rice we need not cook the veggies completely they provide more vibrant color and vitamins /protein ) more in their plate with taste .

Ingredients:
Mint/ Pudina 1 cup chopped
Rice 1 large bowl (cooked)
Carrots finely diced 1/2 cup
Green Peas 1/2 cup
Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon
Cardamom 3 to 4
Cinnamon a small stick
Cloves 4 to 3
Fennel Seeds 1/2 teaspoon
Black Cumin Seeds 1/2 teaspoon
Butter 1  to 2 table spoons
Salt as per taste

Procedure:
Step 1: Dry roast the taken whole garam masala , now add in butter .
Step 2:Add in finely diced carrots and green peas .Toss in some salt and cover it with a lid and cook  until carrots are little smooth

Step 3:Throw in the chopped mint and fry until it looses raw smell .

Step 4: Now add cooked rice along with salt for taste and mix well . Serve hot .

Chef's Note:

• As the mint has a unique flavor of pungentness combined with little spice ,I have not added any type of chili or hotness to the dish 
• You can add a pinch of pepper powder or green chilies for extra touch of spice
• You can add tofu or paneer for extra texture and protein 
• Opt for cold or left over rice as the texture of fried rice mainly depends upon the rice