Peppermint

Peppermint is an aromatic plant with a fresh and intense flavor, perfect for adding a special touch to numerous dishes, desserts, and drinks. Here are some delicious recipes you can try with peppermint:

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Peppermint

Ingredients:

• 500 g cubed watermelon
• 100 g crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon powdered peppermint
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta, and cucumber.
2. Add the torn peppermint leaves.
3. Season with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently mix and serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful salad.

Peppermint Pesto

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon powdered peppermint
• 50 g pine nuts or walnuts
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash and dry the peppermint leaves.
2. In a food processor, combine the mint, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Blend slowly, adding the olive oil until a creamy consistency is achieved.
4. Use the pesto to dress pasta, bruschetta, or as a sauce for meat or fish.

Peppermint and Chocolate Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 500 ml fresh cream
• 200 ml whole milk
• 150 g sugar
• 1 tablespoon powdered peppermint
• 100 g chopped dark chocolate
• 4 egg yolks

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the peppermint leaves and half the sugar. Let it infuse for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light and frothy.
3. Remove the mint leaves from the milk and reheat it.
4. Pour the hot milk over the egg yolks, stirring continuously.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens, without boiling.
6. Let it cool, then add the cream and chopped chocolate.
7. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the instructions for churning. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a container, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.

Iced Peppermint Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 liter water
• 2 green tea or black tea bags
• 1 tablespoon powdered peppermint
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method:

1. Bring water to a boil, then turn off the heat and add the tea bags and half of the mint.
2. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
3. Add honey or sugar, if you prefer a sweeter tea, and stir until dissolved.
4. Let the tea cool, then add the lemon juice.
5. Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours. Before serving, add the remaining mint and a few lemon slices as garnish.

Cold Pea and Peppermint Soup

Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh or frozen peas
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 liter vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon powdered peppermint
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream or yogurt for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the onion until golden.
2. Add the peas and broth, bring to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add the mint and blend the soup until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.
5. Serve the soup cold, garnished with sour cream or yogurt, and a few fresh mint leaves.

These recipes highlight the freshness of peppermint and are perfect for various occasions, from breakfast to desserts!