Mint Gremolata adds a burst of fresh flavor to roast meats and vegetables by combining parsley, mint, garlic, and lemon zest for a vibrant, herbaceous taste that elevates every dish with its zesty tang and aromatic profile. If you've never tried it, it's definitely a condiment you'll be making again and again.
What is a gremolata?
Gremolata is a traditional Italian condiment typically made with finely minced parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. It's known for its vibrant and fresh flavor, often used to garnish or add a burst of citrusy, herbal taste to dishes like meats, fish, soups, and vegetables.
Try some of my other Italian condiments like Pesto alla Calabrese, Italian BBQ Sauce, Italian Green Sauce, Salmoriglio Sauce, Eggplant Caponata and Sicilian Pesto.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Flavor Boost: Adds fresh, herbaceous flavors to dishes.
- Versatile: Perfect for enhancing a wide range of meals from meats to vegetables.
- Quick Prep: Easy-to-make with minimal ingredients for a quick flavor upgrade.
🥘 Ingredients
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. Mince finely before adding to the food processor.
- Parsley: Opt for flat-leaf parsley if available, as it tends to have a more robust flavor compared to curly parsley.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing herbal note. Ensure they are loosely packed for accurate measurement.
- Lemon: Both the juice and zest of a lemon contribute tanginess and brightness to the gremolata. Use organic lemons for zest if possible.
- Kosher salt: A pinch of kosher salt enhances the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Start with a small amount and adjust to achieve the desired consistency. Quality olive oil will enhance the overall taste of the gremolata.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Mince garlic, parsley, and mint in a food processor.
Step 2: Mixing Add the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and gradually drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Stir in the zest of one lemon.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tip
- To achieve the freshest and most vibrant Mint Gremolata, ensure all herbs are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent excess moisture, which can dilute flavors and affect texture.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy Mint Gremolata: Enhance the classic recipe with a touch of heat by adding 1-2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh chili peppers like jalapeño or serrano, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Herbed Mint Gremolata: Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating additional fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro, approximately ¼ cup each, alongside parsley and mint. Adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities to maintain desired consistency.
- Nutty Mint Gremolata: Introduce a delightful crunch by folding in roughly chopped toasted nuts such as pine nuts, almonds, or pistachios (about ¼ cup) after blending the garlic and herb mixture, offering a rich, nutty complement to the zesty flavors.
🍴 Equipment
- Mini food processor (or a regular food processor)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer or reamer (optional, for juicing lemon)
- Microplane or zester
- Spoon
- Small dish or bowl for serving
💭 Recipe FAQs
Fresh herbs are recommended for this recipe to achieve the vibrant flavor and texture. Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but they may alter the taste and consistency of the gremolata.
Mint Gremolata is best served fresh for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Mint Gremolata is a versatile condiment that pairs well with grilled meats, fish, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for soups and salads. It adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to a variety of dishes.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Transfer the Mint Gremolata into an airtight container or small jar, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Spoon the Mint Gremolata into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1-2 months for best results.
🍷 Wine Pairing
A Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with Mint Gremolata because its crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the fresh, zesty flavors of the dish.
👩🏼🍳 Top Tips
- Use fresh herbs: For the best flavor, ensure your parsley and mint leaves are fresh and vibrant.
- Adjust consistency: If you prefer a smoother gremolata, add a bit more olive oil and pulse until you reach the desired texture.
- Scrape the sides: Frequently scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are evenly chopped and well-blended.
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Mint Gremolata
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Equipment
- Mini food processor
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)
- Microplane or zester
- Spoon
- Small dish or bowl for serving
Ingredients
- 2 large cloves of garlic peeled
- 1 cup slightly packed fresh parsley leaves use flat leaf parsley if you can
- ¼ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon, juiced about 1 teaspoon
- pinch kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of one preferably organic lemon
Instructions
- In a mini food processor, mince the garlic cloves.
- Add parsley and mint, and pulse just until you can no longer see any large, full leaves.
- Add fresh lemon juice and salt, and pulse a few more times. You may need to scrape the sides of the processor bowl to make sure everything is chopping evenly.
- Add olive oil, starting with just 1 ½ tablespoons, and pulse a few more times. Add lemon zest and, if you want it smoother, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pulse just until the gremolata is well blended but still a bit chunky.
- Spoon into a dish and serve immediately.
Notes
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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