I have notice mint is starting to grow in the garden and the herb pots, and with mint being a great addition to many recipes, here are 10 simple mint recipes to try.
Once mint starts to grow it comes in abundance so don't become knee-deep in mint and let it go to waste, use it:
- Refreshing Water - For a for very refreshing drink add 2 fresh mint sprigs, sliced lemon and a 1/4 of a slice of cucumber to a jug of iced water and leave for a few hours in the fridge, before serving.
- Mint Mojitos - This cocktail was very much enjoyed by Ernest Hemmingway in Havana, place 8 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a tumbler and crush slightly with a pestle, then add 1 part freshly squeeze lime juice to 2 parts rum, add sugar to taste and top with sparkling water.
- Quick Pea and Mint Soup - add a handful of mint leave to 500g of frozen garden peas, 1 diced onion and 800mls of vegetable stock. Put in a pan, bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20/25 minutes, liquidise season to taste and serve with a swirl of cream and a few fresh mint leaves.
- Mint Pesto - Toss a handful of mint in with your basil leaves, along with 5 cloves of crushed garlic, 2tsps of sea salt flakes, 50g of pine nuts and 75mls of extra virgin olive oil for a fabulous fresh summer pesto. I just blend all the dry ingredients with a little oil and then drizzle in the rest of the oil with the motor running until it looks the right consistency.
- Greek Salad with Mint - Mix chop tomatoes, cucumber and red onions together, crumble feta cheese, scatter over black olives and chopped mint leaves, for dressing mix lemon juice with olive oil, season to taste and drizzle over just before serving.
- Minty Fruit Dessert - Dress fresh pineapple chunks in mint, lime juice, a splash of tequila and a pinch of salt.
- Minty Salad - Add a handful of finely chopped mint into couscous or pasta salad.
- Minty Smoothie - Throw in a few mint leaves into a fruit smoothie such as a strawberry or melon for a refreshing twist.
- Mint Syrup - 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and a huge bunch of mint, heat on the hob until the sugar dissolves, simmer for an hour, strain, cool and refrigerate. It is great for a fresh fruit salad, finish with a few fresh mint leaves.
- Mint Ice Cubes - Add fresh fruit and mint leaves to your ice cube tray. These little ice cubes are excellent for adding to drinks at a cocktail or garden party. Plus mint ices cubes can be stored in a freezer bag for a later date, they will keep around 3 months.