Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon Gazpacho is a refreshing and unique take on the traditional Spanish cold soup. Combining the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the savory flavors of a classic gazpacho, this chilled soup is perfect for hot summer days and offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
The vibrant pink hue of the watermelon adds a splash of color to your table, while the crisp vegetables and fresh herbs provide a satisfying crunch and flavor. This innovative dish is not only delicious but also a healthy and hydrating option for any summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, diced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing the vegetables and fruit. Dice the seedless watermelon, peel and dice the cucumber, and dice the red bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
Blend the Base: In a large bowl or blender, combine the diced watermelon, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend all these ingredients together, but if you like a bit more texture in your gazpacho, pulse them until they are just combined.
Season the Gazpacho: Add the chopped basil, red wine vinegar, and olive oil to the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors. The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling the soup allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the refreshing quality of the dish.
Serve: Serve the Watermelon Gazpacho chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired. This soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Chef’s Note: For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a small amount of hot sauce to the gazpacho. You can also experiment with different herbs such as cilantro or dill to vary the flavor profile. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the soup thoroughly and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This gazpacho can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Info: (Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1 cup, assuming 6 servings from the recipe.)
- Calories: 70 per serving
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Watermelon Gazpacho offers a delightful and refreshing twist on a classic favorite, perfect for cooling off during the summer months. Enjoy the unique combination of flavors and the vibrant color it brings to your dining table!