Mint Rice

Mint rice is one of those simple side dishes that makes everything else on your plate taste better. The vibrant green from fresh mint leaves gives the rice a cool, herbal kick that’s subtle but refreshing. It’s the kind of thing that holds its own next to spicy curries, grilled meats, or even roasted veggies. Plus, it’s super easy to make and works in just about any season.

Why You’ll Love Mint Rice

It’s light, it’s fresh, and it’s full of flavor without being overpowering. That cool mintiness blended into fluffy basmati rice feels fancy without trying too hard. This is a go-to if you want something that tastes unique but still pairs well with bold main dishes. You can toss it together quickly in an Instant Pot, and the result is rice that’s anything but boring. Bonus: it looks beautiful on the plate with its subtle green hue.

What You Need To Make Mint Rice

This is a short ingredient list, but each one plays a part. Check the recipe card for the exact amounts, but here’s what you’ll use:

• basmati rice (rinsed)
• water
• olive oil
• fresh mint leaves
• salt and pepper

You’ll need a few basic tools like a mixing bowl, wooden spatula, and an Instant Pot to keep it easy and hands-off. An immersion blender helps blend the mint if you want a smoother texture, but it’s not required.

How To Make Mint Rice

1. Add the basmati rice, water, olive oil, fresh mint, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
2. Stir everything together so the mint gets evenly mixed in.
3. Seal the Instant Pot, close the vent, and select the rice setting.
4. Let it cook according to your Instant Pot’s settings (usually about 12 minutes under pressure, but follow your model’s timing).
5. Once it’s done, release the pressure carefully.
6. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains.
7. Serve it up warm alongside whatever main dish you’ve got going.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

You could, but fresh mint gives it that vibrant color and stronger flavor. dried mint will be more subtle and won’t have the same effect.

What type of rice works best?

Basmati is ideal because of its long grains and light texture. Jasmine rice could work too, but basmati holds the mint flavor better.

Do I need an immersion blender?

Not really. You can just chop the mint finely, but if you want the rice to take on a greener color and smoother herb flavor, blending the mint with olive oil helps.

Can I make it on the stove instead?

Yes. Just cook the rice as you normally would, then stir in the chopped mint and olive oil at the end before fluffing.

What can I serve with mint rice?

This goes great with spicy curries, grilled meats, lemony chicken, or even simple roasted vegetables. I love it with my Curry Lamb Meatballs. It’s a versatile side that fits into a lot of meals.