How to counteract too much mint? (5 ways)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “How to counteract too much mint?”. We will further elaborate on the different approaches that will help you counteract too much mint in a recipe.
How to counteract too much mint?
To counteract too much mint, consider the following approaches:
- Dilute the dish
- Physically remove the mint
- Add sweetness
- Add an acidic ingredient
- Add potato to absorb the excess flavor
What are the different ways to counteract too much mint?
Mint is a very versatile herb with a blend of both savory and sweet flavors. It can be added to a number of dishes from salads to margaritas. But, you will only benefit from its qualities when it is added in moderate amounts.
If you go overboard, this herb can become bitter and distasteful. If you have used too much mint in a dish than you intended, it may go rancid. If that is the case with you, don’t worry, luckily, there are many different solutions for recipes with too much mint.
Here we have shared five different ways to help you counteract too much mint in your recipe, and to make it appropriate to serve.
Physically remove the mint
Mint can be used in many different preparations including desserts and cocktails.
In many dishes, where the whole leaves are used, for instance, in a mint cocktail, you can easily remove the extra mint leaves before they can release all of their essential oils.
However, this approach will not benefit if you have added chopped and cooked mint.
For instance, if you have added too much extra chopped mint in the Mexican meatball soup, you can skim some of it from the top of the soup using a ladle-sized slotted spoon just when you have realized your blunder.
If the mint has blended well in your recipe by the time you realize your blunder, you will then have to implement any of the other tricks we have shared but you must first try to remove it.
Dilute the dish
You can dilute the flavor of mint by decreasing the ratio of mint to all other ingredients. This approach helps to reduce the bitterness and pungent flavor caused by too much mint.
If you have added too much mint to keftedes, to counteract it add more of the grounded beef, garlic and other base elements but do not add mint.
Albondigas dishes commonly contain plum tomatoes, so you can multiply the amount to help counteract the extra mint.
This will help to fix too much minty taste without running the risk of modifying the dish overall flavor profile. This approach has the advantage of being adaptable as it can be used with any dish or beverage that comprises mint.
Add sweetness
Sweeteners can work really well to offset the bitterness caused by too much mint in your recipe. It will not directly lower the bitterness, but it will give a different flavor that will help to distract the taste buds.
Add a teaspoonful of sugar gradually to counterbalance the bitter flavor in a recipe. Then mix, letting the flavors mix thoroughly. Be sure to add one at a time tasting after every addition or your dish will have a sweeter taste.
Other than sugar, you can also add agave nectar or honey if you want a liquid sweetener.
Add an acid ingredient
Another easy trick to counteract a strong flavor is to use another strong flavor. Acidic ingredients can greatly help to offset the bitterness of excess mint.
Depending on the dish, you can add citrus juice or vinegar. To a mojito, you can try adding an extra slice of lime for a fruitier flavor profile.
Other options include a dollop of yogurt and sour cream that may give what is required.
Add potato to absorb the excess flavor
Potatoes include starch with a mild flavor and are specifically great at absorbing strong flavors. A peeled and boiled half-cut potato can be added in a soup like a pea and mint soup or a mint sauce to counterbalance the bitter taste of too much mint.
Put the half-boiled potato into the dish that will absorb the excess flavors of the mint from the dish.
Remove the potato once tender and serve your meal as if nothing happened.
We hope these approaches will help you save your dish. Still, if nothing goes well, forget it. Learn your lesson and you may start again.
Other FAQs about Herbs that you may be interested in.
What is the difference between basil and bay leaves?
What herbs and spices go in a curry?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have provided an answer to the question, “How to counteract too much mint?”. We have further elaborated on the different approaches that will help you counteract too much mint in a recipe.
References
https://www.spiceography.com/too-much-mint/
https://forum.e-liquid-recipes.com/t/too-much-mint-flavour-tastes-like-soap/187047/5
https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/7i9TkUE5fX36Ohts4VNmsK/Getting-The-Right-Balance.html
