Mint has a vibrant green hue and an invigorating aroma that makes it a wonderful summertime ingredient. Not only does it add a refreshing touch to your cocktails, lemonades and sauces, but it's also bursting with flavour and nutrients. Whether used fresh or dried, herbs always add an amazing aroma and flavour to the dish that cannot be replicated by any other ingredient. From sauces to cocktails, they are a vital part of culinary creations across the globe. Among all the other options, mint is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking.
With its subtly sweet flavour and distinct cooling sensation, it is featured in various dishes and beverages. The tender, bright green leaves of mint are naturally infused with menthol, which makes it a great ingredient for summer delicacies. Loaded with vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, this refreshing drink boosts digestion and improves oral health.
Mint Lassi
How can your summer be complete without a chilled glass of lassi? Give this yoghurt-based drink a minty makeover by adding a few fresh mint leaves while blending it into the recipe. Prepared along with black salt, cumin powder, yoghurt and sugar (or honey), this creamy and refreshing drink is perfect to sip on a sunny afternoon.
Mojito
Mint is an integral part of this traditional Cuban cocktail. Made with white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, soda water and mint leaves, this cocktail is enjoyed all over the world. Mojitos have the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus and minty flavour in every sip. Best served on the rocks in a Collins glass, it is perfect for summer evenings.
Mint Chicken Curry
This mint-flavoured, creamy chicken curry is great to pair with roti, naan, steamed rice or pulao. Prepared with boneless chicken, butter, cream and lemon juice, it is best served for family dinners during the summer. The main ingredients to make the curry are cinnamon, fennel seeds, ginger-garlic paste, onion and mint leaves.
Pudina Rice
This refreshing herb can also be used to make a delicious comfort food called pudina rice. Whether you are feeling too lazy to cook an elaborate meal or have an upset stomach, this one-pot rice dish has got you covered. Prepared with a tangy paste consisting of fresh mint leaves, cumin and lemon, it is ideal for lunch as well as dinner.
Cucumber Salad With Mint
Cucumber salad is a quick, delightful and nutrient-packed dish that goes well with every meal. To give it a refreshing touch, combine cucumber with red onions, sugar, vinegar, olive oil, ground black pepper and chopped fresh mint and your sweet and tangy side dish is ready to serve. You can also add roasted bell peppers and boiled chickpeas to the recipe to make it more filling and tastier.
Mint Chutney
Now comes the classic Indian condiment, pudina chutney, that goes well with a variety of dishes. This cooling delight is made by combining fresh mint leaves with cilantro, chillies, and a few drops of lime juice in a blender until it reaches a smooth consistency. The chutney is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed with pakoras, samosas, dal-chawal or even as a spread for sandwiches.