Grilled Watermelon Soup
Courtesy of Gertrude’s Restaurant
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 seedless watermelon, cut into three 1-1/2-in.-thick slices
- 1 large beefsteak tomato, halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons diced red onion, divided
- 2 tablespoons sherry (or red wine) vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 small ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced (we like ours grilled)
Instructions:
- Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil over watermelon slices, tomato, cucumber and jalapeno; grill, covered, on a greased grill rack over medium-high direct heat until seared, 5-6 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, reserving one watermelon slice.
- When cool enough to handle, remove rind from remaining watermelon slices; cut flesh into chunks. Remove skin and seeds from tomato and jalapeno; chop. Coarsely chop cucumber. Combine grilled vegetables; add 1/4 cup onion, garlic, vinegar, lime juice and seasonings. Process in batches in a blender until smooth, adding remaining olive oil during final minute. If desired, strain through a fine-mesh strainer; adjust seasonings as needed. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled.
- To serve, pour gazpacho into bowls or glasses. Top with diced avocado and remaining onion. Cut reserved watermelon slice into wedges. Garnish bowls or glasses with wedges.
Yields 4 servings
Cantaloupe Spritzer
Courtesy of Gertrude’s Restaurant
Ingredients:
- 3-4 basil OR mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1.5 fl oz vodka
- 1/2 cup pureed cantaloupe (very ripe)
- 3 T simple syrup (recipe below)
- Fresh lime wedges
- Sparkling natural mineral water or club soda
Instructions:
- In bottom of cocktail shaker, muddle the herb leaves.
- Add the vodka, pureed cantaloupe, simple syrup, and fresh lime.
- Fill shaker almost full with ice, and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds.
- Strain into prepared glass.
- Add crushed ice to almost fill the glass and a splash of sparkling mineral water.
- Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, add equal parts sugar and water and heat on medium just until sugar is dissolved. Cool and store for several weeks.
