Sweet Mint Chai Pudding
A refreshing dessert made with semolina, milk, and fresh mint, perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 45 minutes pairs semolina (coarse), milk (whole), fresh mint leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (coarse)
- 2 cups milk (whole)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cardamom pods (crushed)
- a pinch salt
- 2 tbsp garnish (chopped pistachios)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine semolina, milk, sugar, crushed cardamom, and salt. Stir over medium heat, ensuring no lumps form.
- Step 2: Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Add mint leaves and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to serving bowls and top with chopped pistachios.
- Step 4: Chill for 1 hour before serving, accompanied by a cup of hot chai for contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet Mint Chai Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sweet Mint Chai Pudding?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep semolina (coarse) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Mint Chai Pudding?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sweet Mint Chai Pudding for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sweet Mint Chai Pudding?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to indian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.