Wintertime and the weather is dreary. Streets are slushy and it’s cold and it’s grey. You’re seeking some colour, not just during the day. (Okay, apologies to George and Ira Gershwin.) But you get the point. I’m sick of winter and would love to see some colours beside white and grey.
This fresh mint herb sauce is just what the doctor or the anti-grey-and-white police ordered! I love this fresh mint herb sauce for its great colour and for the flavour boost it gives to meat. Many countries in the world serve a green sauce with meat. The Argentinians traditionally serve a mix of basil, parsley and cilantro as Chimichurri sauce. The Italians mix anchovies, capers and parsley in a Salsa Verde, while the French use parsley, chives and chervil in their Sauce Verte.
I served my fresh mint herb sauce with slow-cooked lamb the other day. This a quick sauce that is really versatile. It goes with a lot of meats, but it particularly loves lamb. Mint and lamb are a great combo. How many Sunday tables, when I was growing up, offered mint jelly with lamb? While mint jelly may look like a fun dessert on the side, there was always something a little unnerving about that fluorescent green colour. Here’s an updated version of a lamb sidekick that is quick to make.
Other uses? You can use this as a marinade for meat, a great sandwich spread for leftovers, a colourful veggie dip or drizzle it over sliced tomatoes. The sauce itself is vegetarian, vegan and suitable for celiacs or those following gluten-free diets.
Give your winter plate a pop of colour and a little cold weather pick-me-up!
What you need:
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup packed fresh dill
- 1/4 cup packed fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 lemon juice (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
What you do:
- Put all ingredients in blender or food processor
- Blend until smooth
- Serve
- Great with lamb or other meats
- Drizzle over sliced tomatoes as an easy starter, or tomato bocconcini skewers for appetizers
- Use as a leftover sandwich spread
Fresh Mint Herb Sauce
A fresh mint and herb sauce for meat. Fabulous with lamb!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup packed fresh dill
- 1/4 cup packed fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 lemon juiced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in blender or food processor
- Blend until smooth
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste
- Serve
