Watermelon Gazpacho: A Refreshing Summer Starter
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 4
This vibrant Watermelon Gazpacho combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the savory flavors of traditional gazpacho ingredients, creating an irresistible starter for warm weather gatherings. Infused with a hint of red pepper and topped with a creamy goat cheese dressing, almond slivers, and edible flowers, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Prepare this chilled delight in just a few easy steps, and you’ll have a perfect dish to beat the summer heat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watermelon (Anguria) | 2 kg |
| Ripe Tomatoes | 300 g |
| Red Bell Peppers | 100 g |
| White Onions | 120 g |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 15 g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 25 g |
| Almond Flour | 60 g |
| Sea Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Goat Cheese (Caprino) | 150 g |
| Fresh Cream (Panna Fresca) | 25 g |
| Sliced Almonds | 25 g |
| Edible Flowers | As desired |
| Fresh Mint | A few leaves |
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Start by removing the rind of the watermelon. Cut the flesh into small pieces—aim for approximately 450g of watermelon flesh.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and deseed the red bell pepper. Peel and roughly chop the onion. Set these ingredients aside.
- Blend the Base: In a blender, combine the watermelon, ripe tomatoes, and red bell peppers. Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant purée.
- Strain and Season: Pour the purée through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove excess pulp. Season with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and almond flour. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to the refrigerator and let it chill for about one hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Toast the Almonds: While the gazpacho is chilling, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden brown. Set them aside for garnishing.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Cream: In a small bowl, mix the fresh cream with the goat cheese until smooth and creamy. This will act as the creamy topping for the gazpacho.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the gazpacho is chilled, pour it into bowls. Drizzle with the goat cheese cream and sprinkle with toasted almond slivers. Garnish with edible flowers and a fresh mint leaf for a touch of color and extra freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the watermelon gazpacho immediately, and enjoy this cooling, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any summer meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
This Watermelon Gazpacho is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy elements, all coming together in a refreshing dish that will leave your guests impressed. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a light and tasty appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
