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 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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