Mint Recipes
In summer's heat, you calm the mind,
A leafy peace, so well-designed.
You twirl in tea, so light and bright,
A soothing balm, a pure delight.
These mint recipes take the herb in unexpected directions, from savory dishes to sweet treats, offering something new for the adventurous cook.
Mint and Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A sweet and savory dish that marries the mint's freshness with the rich, salty flavor of bacon.
Ingredients:
12 dates, pitted
6 slices bacon, cut in half
12 fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Stuff each date with a fresh mint leaf.
Wrap each mint-stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Serve these strange but delicious bites as appetizers.
Mint and Wasabi Ice Cream
A strange fusion of cool mint and the fiery heat of wasabi, perfect for those looking for a bold flavor clash.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon wasabi paste (or more for extra heat)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and mint leaves. Heat over low heat until warm, then remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the mint leaves.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, wasabi paste, and vanilla extract.
Add the sweetened milk and cream mixture to the wasabi mixture and stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once churned, freeze the ice cream for a few hours to firm up.
Serve this strange ice cream to friends who love unexpected flavor combinations.
Mint and Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
A wild and weird vinegar that combines chocolate, mint, and balsamic for a bold glaze or salad dressing.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar and cocoa powder over low heat, whisking to combine.
Add the fresh mint leaves and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the mint to infuse.
Strain the mixture to remove the mint leaves, and add honey to taste if you'd like it sweeter.
Use this chocolate-mint balsamic vinegar as a glaze for grilled meats, a topping for ice cream, or even as a salad dressing for a bold and surprising flavor.
Mint Pickles
A unique, tangy twist on traditional pickles, with a refreshing minty kick.
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 garlic clove, smashed
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and garlic. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Pack the cucumber slices into a jar and add the mint leaves.
Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they’re fully submerged.
Let the jar cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Enjoy the refreshing yet unexpected flavor of mint-infused pickles with sandwiches or as a side dish.
Mint and Jalapeño Margarita
A bold and spicy margarita with a minty twist—a great drink for those who like heat with their refreshment.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz fresh mint leaves
2-3 slices jalapeño
Salt for rimming glass
Ice
Instructions:
Muddle the mint leaves and jalapeño slices in a cocktail shaker.
Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, along with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a glass with a salted rim.
Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of jalapeño for an extra kick.
Mint and Curry Spaghetti
An odd fusion of mint with spicy curry for a surprisingly satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients:
8 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon lard, tallow or coconut oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside.
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the curry powder and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
Stir in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat in the curry sauce.
Stir in the fresh mint and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot for a strange but tasty fusion dish.
Mint and Mango Chutney
A tangy and spicy chutney with mint, perfect as a condiment for grilled meats or as a dip for flatbreads.
Ingredients:
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients—mango, mint, vinegar, sugar, onion, ginger, cumin, and chili flakes.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens.
Let it cool and store it in a jar.
Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or use as a condiment for curries.
Minty Rosewater Lemonade
An exotic, floral twist on the classic lemonade, with the refreshing flavors of mint and rosewater.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon rosewater
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
4 cups cold water
Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, mint leaves, rosewater, and sugar.
Muddle the mint leaves to release their oils and help dissolve the sugar.
Add the cold water and ice cubes, stir well, and taste for sweetness. Add more sugar if desired.
Serve chilled, garnished with a few fresh mint leaves and lemon slices.
Mint-Infused Vodka
A refreshing way to infuse vodka with mint, perfect for making a unique cocktail or enjoying with sparkling water.
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) vodka
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
Gently crush the mint leaves to release their oils and add them to the vodka bottle.
Seal the bottle and let the vodka sit in a cool, dark place for about 3-5 days.
Shake the bottle every day, tasting it along the way to achieve your desired strength of mint flavor.
Once infused, strain out the mint leaves and enjoy the minty vodka in cocktails, or simply mixed with soda water.
These weird mint recipes will take your culinary experience to new and unusual places. From savory dishes to wild drinks, mint can be used in some very unexpected ways!