Pudhina Rice(mint Flavored Rice)

Sometimes(or most of times should I say) simple things are best. Like a short walk to near by park on a beautiful evening,a good afternoon nap (Mommies out there :) ),a small telephone or web chat with a long distant friend or case in point a very simple dish made by mom just for you.This pudhina (mint leaves)rice is a complete pack of flavor and taste.When my mom first made,it was so tasty that I thought it must be a long procedure recipe.When she shared the recipe I first disbelieved,and when I tired for myself and I could not praise my mom enough.Try this and I am sure you will know what I mean.

Ingredients:
11/2 cup rice
3/4 cup mint leaves packed
2 green chillies
2 red chilles dried
2 teaspoons thick tamrind extract
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon urad dal
1 small piece of ginger
Salt
Oil 
Method
1.Cook rice with just enough water so that the grains remain separate.Once pressure is released,add one teaspoon oil to the rice,mix well and cool thoroughly.
2Grind mint leaves with red,green chillies and tamrind juice to a coarse paste.
3.Heat oil in a kadai,add mustard and urad dal and let them splutter. Add the mint paste,salt and saute for 5 minutes till the paste starts to leave out oil .Take care not to burn.Remove from heat.
4.Add this paste to cold rice slowly and mix gently,add one more teaspoon of sesame oil and combine well.Serve with raita.
Time: 30 minutes
Serves:3
Notes:
1.Please note that this the version of pudina rice that my mom makes.We don't add onion or garlic as my mom feels that will overpower the mint flavor.
2.It packs the right amount of tang with that tamrind juice.
3.Very suitable for packing in lunch box