We are in the dog days of summer, and you might be looking for some refreshment, so we are going to share a recipe to make your own herbal oil using fresh mint.
To make this recipe you will use a variety of mints and plan to steep for 24 hours. You can use this herbal oil to cool down spicy chickpea or bean salads; or in place of olive oil in green salads.
You will need the following:
4 cups of water (2 for the ice bath)
1 cup of packed fresh mint leaves
2 TBS. of sea salt
A handful of ice cubes
1/2 cup of olive oil
Add the salt to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Add the fresh leaves and blanch for 60 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon.
Put the leaves in an ice bath for 20 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon.
Set the leaves on a dish towel to dry.
Combine the leaves with the oil in a food processor and blend.
Transfer this slurry to a container and refrigerate 12-24 hours.
After 12-24 hours, strain the slurry through cheesecloth to collect the oil and store in the refrigerator. The oil will keep for up to 1 month.
This process can be done with different varieties of basil as well. Let us know if you create any interesting herbal oils or recipes using them!