Mint sauce is type of sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and mint leaves. The sauce may also contain a small amount of lime or lemon juice. This type of sauce is commonly used as a condiment for foods such as roasted lamb and peas, but may also be used in recipes that call for fresh mint. Mint sauce is especially complementary to dishes containing roasted meats.
Although recipes for mint sauce may vary depending on location and personal preference, most recipes for the sauce are relatively simple and will only require a few ingredients. In general, the sauce will include mint leaves, granulated sugar, and wine vinegar. Lime juice, lemon juice, and olive oil can also be added to the sauce. Some variations of the sauce are sharper in taste and contain more mint, while others contain more sugar to achieve a sweeter taste.
Roasted lamb is commonly eaten with mint sauce, but the sauce can be used to enhance the flavors of many types of meat. Turkey, salisbury steak, beef, pork chops, tuna, and lamb chops are often eaten with mint sauce. It may also accompany sausage, bacon, mutton, and liver. Potatoes, roasted vegetables, breads, and even soups can also be eaten with mint sauce on the side or incorporated into the dish. The sauce is especially popular in Irish and British cuisines, and can also be used as a marinade for certain meats and dishes.
Creating a sauce out of mint can be an ideal way to preserve the herb for use at a later time. When preparing the sauce, the leaves must be finely chopped to ensure the best flavor. The mint stalks must also be chopped away before use. Adding vinegar to the mint will help preserve it and keep it fresh for long periods of time.
Other ingredients are often added to the sauce to create different variations of the condiment. Cranberry is frequently added to mint sauces, as well as ginger, apple, and nuts. In Greek variations of the sauce, yogurt may also be added. Garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese can be included to achieve a more flavorful sauce. Many who create the sauce choose to experiment with different types of mint and spices, as well.
Mint contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and vitamin C. Because of the large amounts of vitamin C, mint is considered a powerful antioxidant. Mint also contains small amounts of iron, copper, and potassium, all of which are beneficial to the health.
If you want to make your mint sauce extra healthy, you may want to consider replacing the mint with peppermint. Some peppermint leaf benefits include allergy relief, antibacterial properties, and healthy digestion. However, some people find the flavor of peppermint too strong, so you may want to check the preferences of your audience before making a peppermint sauce. If folks don’t like peppermint, a traditional mint sauce will still contain plenty of vitamins and other health benefits.
