Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
This quick herbal condiment is a zippy, uplifting accent. It adds a healthy pop of flavor when sprinkled over grain bowls, grilled seafood, and rack of lamb—any number of dishes.
Use this recipe when you have an abundance of summer mint in your garden. It's so much quicker than pesto!
Ingredients
- Fresh mint - any type
- Garlic - Do not substitute powder or frozen
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice - use fresh if possible
- Aleppo pepper - or red pepper flakes
- Salt - just a few grinds
How to Make
1️⃣Wash hands thoroughly.
2️⃣Wash and dry mint leaves. (You can do this ahead of time.) Mince finely and place in a bowl.
3️⃣Finely mince a clove of garlic and add it to the mint in the bowl.
4️⃣Add the olive oil, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, and a few grinds of salt to the mint and garlic.
5️⃣Stir well and set aside for at least 10 minutes before using to let the flavors get to know one another.
Note: Gremolata can be prepared up to five days ahead of time, but the herbs will turn a darker color. This will not affect the taste.
Preparation tips and storage
If you want to enjoy this gremolata several times throughout the week, double or even triple the recipe. It will keep well in an airtight container for up to five days although it will turn darker.
Gremolata is often made as a dry herbal condiment meant to be sprinkled over dishes before eating to add excitement and extra flavor. Adding some olive oil to the herbs gives it a saucy character and helps with storage.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
You won't get spam from me, I promise!
To speed up the chopping at mealtime, wash and dry your mint in advance.
😀Minty health perks
Gut health: Mint has long been used to support digestion and may help soothe the symptoms of IBS, stomachaches, and GI upset in general. Mint is not always beneficial for people with GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux), as it may trigger symptoms, particularly in large amounts.
It's also an anti-inflammatory with chemical properties that fight microbes, and it may promote muscle relaxation.
The scent, of course, is refreshing and may reduce anxiety.
Using fresh mint to boost flavor in foods can reduce the need for salt and sweetness.
Mint may have other health benefits, but these are a few of the notable ones.
Related Recipes
Pistachio Gremolata: Chopped pistachios and minced parsley to sprinkle over pasta, chicken breasts, grilled seafood. Add extra virgin olive oil to enjoy as a dip.
🍈Honeydew Salad with Mint and Lime: A refreshing melon salad that is wonderful on hot days and a terrific addition to a ladies' lunch!
Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto: Pesto is another herbal sauce closely related to gremolata. This one has a lively flavor profile with a hit of jalapeño.
Mint Gremolata
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- Salt a few grinds
Instructions Start Cooking
- Mince the mint and garlic clove. Place them in a small bowl and add olive oil, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine ingredients. Let the gremolata rest for at least 10 minutes for best flavor.¼ cup fresh mint 1 clove garlic 2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons lemon juice ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper Salt
Leave a Reply