Mint
Culinary surprise.
Mint is a newcomer to my culinary world. My previous exposure to mint had always been in the form of candy or gum. The thought of using this flavor in baking seemed somewhat plausible but using mint in savory dishes felt bizarre.
I honed my love of mint by doing what I usually do with a new ingredient and that is simply start experimenting. I began with one mint plant in a pot on the deck. I was cautious with adding mint to my cooking at first, fearing that I would make food taste like a tic tac. I now cannot imagine life without a mint plant.
There is a mint flavor for everyone. Chocolate mint, apple mint, spearmint and peppermint are just a few possibilities. I usually have spearmint and peppermint as my staple choices.
Mint plants are aggressive in the garden so it is best to contain them in pots. They do well in a sunny location as long as they are given adequate water during hot days. The leaves of different mint plants have varying textures and shapes, adding visual interest to your outdoor plant decor.
Fresh mint is delicious in salads with other mixed greens. The leaves can be added to a glass of cold water, lemonade or iced tea as an extra flavor booster. One of my favorite pairings with mint is lamb. I add a tablespoon (or more!) to my lamb burgers. An accompanying tzatziki sauce adds another layer of mint flavor. Certainly, the easiest way to enjoy mint is straight from the plant to your mouth, no cooking required.
Recipe
Tzatziki sauce is great with lamb burgers but it is equally as good
with chicken and fish. It is also a refreshing change of pace as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Tzatziki
1/2 c. greek yogurt
1 small cucumber
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tsp. olive oil
1 Tb. chopped fresh mint
1 Tb. fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Grate the cucumber and place on a paper towel. I wrap up the grated cucumber in the towel and place it over a bowl for a few minutes, allowing the liquid to start draining. Squeeze out the excess cucumber juice through the paper towel. Add the rest of the ingredients to the grated cucumber and place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
