Fresh Mint Paste Recipes

Steps:

• In a small skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts, shaking the pan frequently, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• In a blender or mini food processor, combine Parmesan, basil, mint, garlic, salt and chile flakes. Pulse to combine, then add oil and process until smooth, adding more oil if needed to make a smooth paste. Taste and adjust salt and chile flakes if needed.
• Transfer 2 tablespoons sauce to a small bowl and stir in mozzarella. Cover and let marinate at room temperature while boiling the pasta.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Use a mug to scoop out approximately 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl.
• To serve, toss pasta with sauce and marinated mozzarella, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry. (It's O.K. if the mozzarella melts slightly while you're tossing.) Top with pine nuts, torn basil and mint, black pepper, Parmesan and another drizzle of oil to serve.

Steps:

• Stir together the sugar and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sugar completely dissolves, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Use your hands to tear the bunch of mint in half and add it to the saucepan. Using a spoon, press down the mint to make sure that it is completely submerged. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature in the saucepan, about 1 hour. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the mint to extract as much flavor as possible. The syrup can be used immediately and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. When it boils, cook pasta until it is tender but not mushy. Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of cooking liquid.
• Toss pasta in a warmed bowl with 2 or 3 tablespoons cooking liquid, the butter, mint and half the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve, passing remaining Parmesan at the table.