Mint, a member of the lettuce family, is well-known as a popular food in Vietnam. The stem of the mint plant is cylindrical and branches out at the top.
The leaves grow individually from the stem, with soft stems, long and large leaf blades, and no rolling. The leaves are thin and have slight serrated edges. As the mint plant grows taller, the leaf tips become smaller and narrower.
The health benefits of mint for your well-being
Mint is not only a delicious food choice but also provides many health benefits. Its cooling properties and weight loss support make it an excellent choice for the summer. Particularly, with only about 15 calories per 100 grams of mint, fewer calories than tomatoes, mint is a good option for those looking to maintain weight.
In addition, mint has protective effects on the eyes and prevents degenerative diseases. Zeaxanthin in mint helps improve vision, especially in cases of macular degeneration, while preventing cataracts. Flavonoids in mint also play an important role in preventing lung and oral cancers.
Mint is a source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, providing nourishment for the skin and vision. Regular consumption helps maintain healthy skin and promote the production of mucus membranes, while maintaining good eyesight.
Furthermore, mint supports the reproductive process by providing folate and vitamin C. Folate helps protect the health of the fetus during pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications. Vitamin C, found in mint, improves the immune system and enhances the ability to fight against infections.
Lastly, mint is a source of vitamin K, which enhances the accumulation of calcium in the bones, improves bone strength, and prevents osteoporosis.
Instructions for making minced meat mint soup
Ingredients for making delicious minced meat mint soup:
500g mint
200g minced meat
2 tomatoes
Scallions, cooking oil, salt, and seasoning powder
How to make delicious minced meat mint soup:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients for minced meat mint soup
Marinate a tablespoon of seasoning powder into the minced meat for 15 minutes. Separate the mint stems, removing the yellowed leaves. Rinse the mint thoroughly, soak it in diluted saltwater for about 10-15 minutes to clean the vegetables. Rinse the tomatoes, cut into wedges. Rinse the scallions, finely chop the bulb part for sautéing.
Step 2: Cook the minced meat mint soup
Place a pan on the stove, add a little cooking oil. When the oil is hot, sauté the scallions (can be replaced with purple onions). Add the minced meat to the pan, let the meat absorb the seasonings evenly. When the meat is almost cooked, add a pinch of salt and the tomatoes to the pan.
Stir until the tomatoes are soft. Add a little water and bring it to a boil, adjust the seasonings to taste. When the soup starts boiling and the tomatoes are soft, add the mint to stir. Wait for the soup to boil, then turn off the heat (you can add a little seasoning powder before turning off the heat).
Step 3: The finished minced meat mint soup
With a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a delicious and suitable soup for your family meals. You can also use boiled chicken or bone broth to cook mint soup, adding more flavor to the dish.