Food on the Table

This is a great time of year to take advantage of all the beautiful fresh herbs around. There are so many benefits to using fresh herbs. They instantly liven up any dish adding a certain zing and earthiness. One of my favorite herbs to use right now is mint. Mint is so versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It obviously goes well with fruit, but can also add complexity to spicy dishes.

There are lots of benefits to using fresh herbs. Most herbs have more disease fighting antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables. They have also been used for centuries to cure discomfort and disease. Mint in particular, is commonly used as a digestive aid and has calming and cooling properties. It is helpful to clear air passages and is great for insomnia. There are about 25 different species of mint including spearmint and peppermint. All varieties have a refreshing smell and taste. When choosing fresh mint, you want to look for leaves that are vibrant and green in color. You should be able to smell mint on your hands upon contact. Avoid mint with leaves that are brown or discolored. The best way to store fresh herbs at home is to wrap in a damp paper towel and keep loosely in a plastic bag.

This week, I have a couple recipes that incorporate mint in a way you may have not thought of before. First is a refreshing salad that I love in the summertime, because the watermelon is so sweet at this time of year. Next is a versatile recipe that can be used as a dip, condiment, spread or even a garnish! Bon Appetit!

Watermelon Salad

1 small watermelon, cut into chunks
½ red onion, sliced
1 cup arugula
½ cucumber, halved and sliced
4-6 ounces feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
Champagne vinegar to splash
Kosher salt to taste

Toss watermelon, red onion, cucumber, arugula and mint together. Add feta cheese and splash with champagne vinegar. Season with kosher salt.

Mint Yogurt Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cup mint, chopped
¼ cup parsley, chopped
½ English cucumber, grated and drained
1 -2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 -2 teaspoons ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and let stand in refrigerator for 30 minutes. This is great on sandwiches or in wraps. It is also a great condiment on top of a hearty stew.

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