春天的时候有一种香草特别可以为人带来清新感觉,就是薄荷了,对于那种收敛式的爆发令人心旷神怡的甜味感觉大家也相当熟悉了,其实这一份特别的味感不单可以作为开胃菜,在西方的复活节食用的烧羊架也是一种不可少或缺的配备,而在中东肉食的热荤中背后有一种极具朝气的阿拉伯式色拉(tabbouleh)味道,加上胡荽叶和萝勒, 薄荷叶同样地在泰、越式的汤和色拉上为我们带来草本的清新感觉。

奇妙清新的黄瓜和西红柿色拉,伴上薄荷的味道可以为你引发精神焕发的一天。

以下就是今次的色拉内容:

柠檬一个

3/4茶匙盐

1/4茶匙黑椒

3茶匙槛榄油

两条半斤的黄瓜,切成丁方粒状,若6毫米,有2-1/3杯

一斤若三个的西红柿,切成丁方粒状若5毫米,有2-1/2杯

红洋葱,或青洋葱,切碎,若有1杯

新鲜薄荷叶切碎,若有1杯

新鲜荷兰芹切碎,若有1杯

行动:

用削皮刀将柠檬去皮切开, 务必将一粒粒的柠檬肉拆散在大碗中,然后将一半的柠檬挤出汁液, 一半留下, 约两茶匙的柠檬汁放在另一个大盘中,混和其它已切碎的颗粒,加盐, 槛榄油, 黑椒轻力搅拌,令味料和柠檬汁均匀的渗透所有的材料

(有为)体验提点:

薄荷的种类其实也有二十多种,每一种都有其独特的味道,spearmint(绿薄荷)是其中最普遍的一种,例如peppermint(欧薄荷)便有一点胡椒味,Lemon mint(柠檬薄荷) 薄荷味较轻微而带有柑橘味

挑植物时当然要找些嫩绿的,不要选一些有凋萎征象的

如要保持薄荷叶的嫩绿,用保鲜膜包好叶子,茎部向下浸水保持湿润,放入冰箱可维持最少一星期多

做色拉要着重材料的比例和卖相,要花多一点功夫在切成丁方粒状的工作上,以上的比例平均,适合大多人的口味,但是也可以因应个人口味随意加多或减少其中的材料,希望你们学会后也可以随意设计你们自己的色拉啊!

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 (1/2-lb) cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 1/3 cups)
• 1 lb tomatoes (3 medium), cut into 1/3-inch dice (2 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion (1 small) or 1 cup chopped scallions (about 5)
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint (from 1 bunch)

Preparation

Cut peel, including all white pith, from lemon with a sharp paring knife. Working over a bowl, cut segments from half of lemon free from membranes and transfer segments to a cutting board, then squeeze juice from membranes and remaining 1/2 lemon into bowl. Transfer 2 tablespoons juice to a large bowl, then finely chop segments and add to measured juice. Add salt, pepper, and oil, whisking to combine, then stir in remaining ingredients.

Start to finish: 30 min

Chef Joeri’s  tips:

• Experiment

Spearmint is the most common type of mint, though there are more than 20 others, each with its own flavor profile. Peppermint, for instance, has a slightly peppery flavor; lemon mint has a mild minty flavor and a citrus scent.

• Choose Wisely

When shopping, look for leaves that are evenly colored and show no signs of wilting.

• Store Properly

Place mint, stems down, in a glass of water and cover leaves with a plastic bag. Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.