Monday, December 9, 2013

Grilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Lime Crema

Watermelon, grilled to enhance its sweetness, balances the smoky-spicy kick of chipotle powder in this refreshing summer soup.



  • 2  Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil




  • 1/2  tsp. chipotle chile powder




  • 3  lb. watermelon (about 1/8 of 1 large melon), sliced 3/4-inch thick




  • Kosher salt




  • 1  medium tomato, coarsely chopped




  • 3/4 cup chopped English cucumber, peeled




  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro




  • 1  Tbs. chopped shallot




  • 1/2 medium serrano chile, seeded and chopped




  • 3-1/2 Tbs. fresh lime juice




  • 1/2 Tbs. red wine vinegar




  • 1/4 cup crème fraîche





Prepare a high charcoal or gas grill fire.  In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbs. of the oil with the chipotle powder. Brush the watermelon slices with the chipotle oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Grill the watermelon until nicely charred on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, remove the rind, seed if necessary, and coarsely chop the flesh.


In a blender, combine the watermelon flesh, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, shallot, serrano chile, and the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil. Blend until almost smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in 1-1/2 Tbs. of the lime juice, the red wine vinegar, and season to taste with salt. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 4 hours.


When ready to serve, combine the crème fraîche with the remaining 2 Tbs. lime juice in a small bowl. Taste the soup and correct the seasoning, if necessary. Ladle the soup into cups and garnish with a drizzle of the lime-crème fraîche mixture.


No comments:

Post a Comment