Still getting spoiled with fresh mint? Let’s try to incorporate this weeks share into it’s own meal. Just add a few extra fresh ingredients.
@m.k.nutrition Ways to use Mint
There are so many ways to use this beneficial herb. Studies have shown that mint aids in digestion, can relieve cold symptoms, improves oral hygiene, boosts brain function, and decreases indigestion. But, how do we take advantage of this little plant? Ingesting is an obvious option. Adding mint to drinks, smoothies, and salads allows us to reap the digestive benefits. Here are some of my favorite ways to use mint. I don’t want to give them all away at once! So, let’s start with some refreshing beverages.
Drink ‘em up!
Mojitos
Ingredients:
· 10 mint leaves
· 1 lime
· 2 Tbsp sugar
· 1 ½ oz white rum ßleave out for a Mock-tail
· ½ cup sparkling water
Directions:
· Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a glass
· Using a muddler, smash the leaves and wedge to release the flavors
· Add the sugar and 2 more wedges, muddle again
· Fill the glass with lots of ice. Then add the rum and sparkling water. Top with any remaining wedges for garnish.
Infused Waters
Ingredients:
· ½ cup of mint leaves, muddled
· 8 oz of water
· ¼ of a cucumber, sliced
· 2 lemon wedges
Directions:
· Add all ingredients together and enjoy a flavorful summertime water.
· You can make a larger batch and keep in the fridge for about 2 days.
Hot Tea
Mix a few mint leaves into your favorite hot tea for a morning metabolism boosting coffee alternative. Coffee can be very acidic and cause damage if too much is consumed. Improve your digestive system with a mint infused hot tea instead.
You can also sip this when feeling nauseous, gassy, or bloated to help calm the gut.
Summer lemony pasta with sugar snaps, squash and herbs
Ingredients: 1 box penne (or similar) whole wheat noodles, 2 c. sugar snap peas, 1/4 c. fresh lemon juice, 2 t. lemon zest, 1/2 t. salt, 3 T EVOO, 1/4 c. chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, etc…), 1 summer squash, shaved parmesan.
Steps: If you have yellow summer squash, chop into matchsticks; if you have ronde de nice (green striped summer squash), cut in half and remove seeds and pulp before cutting into matchsticks. Saute squash in a little EVOO for a few minutes. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package, adding sugar snaps during last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse with cold water then set aside. Combine lemon juice, zest and salt in a large bowl; whisk in oil then toss in the herbs and squash. Top with shaved parmesan and serve room temperature.
Spring Salad
Serves 2-4
Ingredients: Large bunch of mixed greens, couple of scallions roughly chopped, one mint sprig roughly chopped, lemon dressing (see below), feta (or similar) cheese.
Lemon dressing: 1/4 c. EVOO, 1 T. honey, 1 heaping T. fresh lemon juice, zest of 1/2 lemon, 1 T. apple cider vinegar, salt & pepper to taste
Steps: Thoroughly wash greens, combine all and top with dressing.
