10 Ways to Use Catnip in the Kitchen

10-ways-to-use-catnip

Catnip isn't just a treat for our feline friends; this mint-family member can also add a burst of flavor and a touch of whimsy to your cooking. Whether you're a gourmet chef or a culinary novice, these ten innovative ways to incorporate catnip into your dishes will inspire you to view this herb in a whole new light.

Catnip Tea

Kick back and relax with a cup of soothing catnip tea. This herbal tea is known for its calming properties and makes for a perfect nighttime beverage.

  • Ingredients: 1 tbsp dried catnip leaves, 1 cup boiling water.
  • Procedure: Steep catnip in boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and serve. Add honey or lemon for extra flavor.

Herbal Infusions

Create your own catnip-infused oils or vinegars to add a dash of herbal zest to your cooking. These infusions work wonderfully as dressings or marinades.

  • Ingredients: Fresh or dried catnip leaves, olive oil or vinegar.
  • Procedure: Place catnip leaves in a clean jar, cover with oil or vinegar, seal, and let sit for 2-4 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking occasionally. Strain before use.

Catnip Butter

Enhance the flavor of your dishes with catnip butter, perfect for spreading on bread or melting over vegetables and fish.

  • Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh catnip leaves.
  • Procedure: Mix catnip leaves into the softened butter until well combined. Refrigerate until firm, then use as needed.

Fresh Salads

Add a refreshing twist to your salads by incorporating fresh catnip leaves, offering a hint of minty flavor.

  • Ingredients: Fresh catnip leaves, your choice of salad greens, and salad toppings.
  • Procedure: Tear or chop catnip leaves and mix with other greens and toppings of your choice. Dress as you like.

Soups and Broths

A pinch of dried catnip can add an intriguing depth to your soups and broths, introducing a subtle minty undertone.

  • Ingredients: 1 tsp dried catnip leaves, your choice of soup or broth.
  • Procedure: Add catnip leaves during the simmering process of your soup or broth. Strain or serve as is for added flavor.
10-ways-to-use-catnip

Baked Goods

Experiment with catnip in your baking by incorporating it into doughs for a unique minty note.

  • Ingredients: 1-2 tsp dried, finely ground catnip, baking dough of choice.
  • Procedure: Mix catnip into your dough before baking. Adjust the amount based on taste preference and the size of your recipe.

Smoothies

Blend fresh catnip leaves into your morning smoothie for an herbal kick.

  • Ingredients: A handful of fresh catnip leaves, your choice of smoothie ingredients (fruits, vegetables, milk/yogurt).
  • Procedure: Add catnip to the blender along with other smoothie ingredients and blend until smooth.

Herbal Ice Cubes

Cool down your beverages with catnip tea ice cubes, adding a minty touch to your drinks.

  • Ingredients: Catnip tea (cooled), ice cube tray.
  • Procedure: Pour cooled catnip tea into an ice cube tray and freeze. Use these herbal ice cubes in water, lemonade, or iced tea.

Seasoning Blends

Create a unique seasoning blend by mixing dried catnip with other herbs and spices.

  • Ingredients: 1 part dried catnip, other dried herbs and spices as desired.
  • Procedure: Blend catnip with other dried herbs and spices. Store in an airtight container and use to season dishes as desired.

Catnip Pesto

Substitute basil with catnip in your pesto for a nuanced flavor, perfect for pasta and sandwiches.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups fresh catnip leaves, ½ cup olive oil, ⅓ cup pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Procedure: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy with your favorite dishes.

Wrapping Up

Exploring catnip's culinary uses opens up new flavors and herbal benefits in the kitchen. From catnip tea to pesto, this herb adds a minty twist to various dishes. Whether enhancing your cooking with infused oils or experimenting with catnip in baked goods, these ten ideas showcase catnip's versatility beyond its feline appeal.

Embrace the playful spirit of catnip in your culinary adventures and discover how this herb can transform ordinary recipes into something uniquely delightful.

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