How to Cook Recipes and Make Delicious Salads and Juices with Mint

Mint is an all-round herb with the ability to provide a refreshing flavour to your dish, salad, and even drink. This versatile herb has widely been applied to many cuisines because it makes dishes tastier and also creates a cooling sensation in them. Here, in this article, we are going to find out how to cook recipes, salads, and yummy juices using this amazing herb called mint.

Benefits of Mint

Mint is not just a flavorful addition to recipes; it also offers numerous health benefits:

1. Digestive Aid: Mint can help soothe indigestion and improve digestion.
2. Cooling Effect: Its cooling properties can help reduce body heat.
3. Rich in Nutrients: Mint is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants.
4. Fresh Breath: Chewing mint leaves can combat bad breath.
5. Versatile Use: Mint can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, beverages, and desserts.

Now, let’s dive into how you can use mint to create culinary magic.

Recipes with Mint

1. Mint Pesto Pasta

A twist on traditional pesto, this mint pesto pasta is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 300g pasta (spaghetti or penne)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend mint leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic until smooth.
2. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the pasta with mint pesto. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and mint leaves.

2. Mint and Lemon Grilled Chicken

A zesty and aromatic recipe perfect for BBQs and family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend mint leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill the chicken on medium heat until cooked through.
4. Serve with a mint yoghurt dip or salad.

Mint-Based Salads

1. Watermelon Mint Feta Salad

A refreshing summer salad that’s sweet, tangy, and savoury.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Toss gently.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled.

2. Mint and Cucumber Salad

A simple, hydrating salad perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers and mint leaves in a bowl.
2. Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt. Pour over the cucumber and mint.
3. Toss well and refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

Refreshing Mint Juices

1. Mint Lemonade

A classic drink that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 4 lemons
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup sugar or honey
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend mint leaves with a small amount of water to make a mint concentrate.
2. In a pitcher, mix lemon juice, mint concentrate, water, and sugar. Stir well.
3. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with mint sprigs.

2. Green Apple Mint Juice

A tangy and refreshing drink with a vibrant green colour.

Ingredients:

• 2 green apples
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 cup cold water
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend green apples, mint leaves, lime juice, and water until smooth.
2. Strain the juice to remove pulp (optional).
3. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with mint leaves.

Cooking Tips for Mint

• Choose Fresh Mint: Always use fresh mint for the best flavour and aroma.
• Store Properly: Keep mint leaves in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Balance Flavors: Mint pairs well with citrus, yoghurt, cucumber, and spices like cumin and coriander.
• Use in Moderation: Too much mint can overpower a dish, so use it judiciously.

FAQs

1. Can dried mint be used instead of fresh mint?

Yes, but dried mint has a more concentrated flavour. Use about one-third the amount of dried mint as you would fresh mint.

2. What are the best substitutes for mint in recipes?

Basil, cilantro, parsley, and tarragon can be used as substitutes, depending on the recipe.

3. How do I keep mint leaves from turning black?

Store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, or place the stems in a glass of water and cover with a plastic bag.

4. Is mint suitable for desserts?

Absolutely! Mint is commonly used in desserts like chocolate mint brownies, mint ice cream, and fruit salads.

5. Can mint be grown at home?

Yes, mint is easy to grow in pots or gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial sunlight.