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Watermelons are a staple of summertime, but did you know they can be used for more than just a refreshing snack on a hot day? In this article, we will explore the creative and delicious ways you can use watermelons in your cooking. From sweet to savoury, we'll cover recipes that highlight the juicy sweetness and refreshing flavour of this beloved fruit. Get ready to discover the magic of melons with these innovative dishes that will impress your friends and family all summer long.
1.Chocolate covered Watermelon
Chocolate-covered watermelon is a unique and delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and refresh your palate. This dessert is easy to make and is perfect for summer parties or a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
· ½ small seedless watermelon
· 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
· 1 tablespoon coconut oil
· Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut)
Method:
· Cut the watermelon into 1-inch-thick slices and remove the rind. Cut the slices into bite-sized cubes or use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes.
· Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
· Dip the watermelon pieces into the melted chocolate, using a fork or toothpick to coat them evenly.
· Place the chocolate-covered watermelon pieces onto a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle with your desired toppings.
· Let the chocolate harden by placing the watermelon in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
This dessert is not only delicious, but it also provides a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate treats. The juicy sweetness of the watermelon paired with the rich chocolate and crunchy toppings makes for a delightful and refreshing combination. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your creativity in the kitchen!
2. Watermelon Quinoa Salad
Watermelon quinoa salad is a perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day. It's a refreshing combination of juicy watermelon, nutty quinoa, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the feta cheese, making it a flavour explosion in every bite.
Ingredients:
· 2 cups cooked quinoa
· 2 cups cubed watermelon
· ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
· ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
· ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
· ¼ cup chopped red onion
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
· Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
· In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint leaves, chopped parsley leaves, and chopped red onion.
· In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
· Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pickled Watermelon Rind
Pickled watermelon rind is a classic Southern recipe that dates back to the 19th century. It's a perfect way to use up every part of the watermelon and transform it into a tasty and unique dish. The rind has a slightly sweet and tangy flavour that makes it an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards.
Ingredients:
· 4 cups of watermelon rind, cut into bite-sized pieces
· 1 cup of white vinegar
· 1 cup of water
· 1 cup of sugar
· 1 tablespoon of pickling spices (you can buy pre-mixed pickling spices or make your own with mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill seeds, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks)
· 1 teaspoon of salt
Method:
· Start by removing the green skin and pink flesh from the watermelon rind. Cut the white part of the rind into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
· In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, pickling spices, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
· Add the watermelon rind to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the rind cook in the pickling liquid for about 10 minutes or until it becomes slightly translucent.
· Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
· Once the pickling liquid has cooled, transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure that the rind is fully submerged in the liquid.
· Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow the flavours to develop. The pickled watermelon rind will keep in the fridge for up to a month.
4.Sweet and Sour Watermelon Stir Fry
Sweet and sour watermelon stir fry is a unique and flavourful dish that incorporates the sweet juiciness of watermelon with tangy and savoury flavours. This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with unconventional ingredients and want to add a touch of excitement to their regular meal routine.
Ingredients:
· 1 small seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed
· 1 red bell pepper, sliced
· 1 yellow onion, sliced
· 1 garlic clove, minced
· 1 tbsp vegetable oil
· 2 tbsp soy sauce
· 2 tbsp rice vinegar
· 2 tbsp ketchup
· 2 tbsp brown sugar
· 1 tbsp cornstarch
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Cooked rice, to serve
Method:
· In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
· In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell pepper and onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
· Add minced garlic and cubed watermelon to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
· Pour the prepared sauce over the watermelon mixture and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
· Season with salt and pepper to taste.
· Serve hot with cooked rice.
5.Watermelon Pizza
Looking for a fun and easy way to incorporate watermelon into your summer menu? Why not try making a watermelon pizza? This dish is not only visually stunning but also delicious and refreshing. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a watermelon pizza with a variety of toppings that will please everyone's taste buds.
Ingredients:
· 1 small seedless watermelon
· 1 cup of plain Greek yoghurt
· 1 tablespoon of honey
· ½ cup of sliced strawberries
· ¼ cup of blueberries
· ¼ cup of sliced kiwi
· ¼ cup of sliced peaches
· ¼ cup of chopped mint leaves
Instructions:
· Start by cutting the watermelon into a round, pizza-like shape. You can do this by cutting off the ends of the watermelon and then using a knife to carefully slice off the rind.
· Mix together the Greek yoghurt and honey in a small bowl until well combined. This will be the "sauce" for your watermelon pizza.
· Spread the Greek yoghurt mixture evenly over the top of the watermelon, leaving a small border around the edge.
· Top the yoghurt mixture with the sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches.
· Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the top of the fruit.
· Cut the watermelon pizza into slices and serve immediately.
Enjoy this delicious and unique take on pizza that will leave your taste buds wanting more!
6.Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa is a fresh and flavourful twist on traditional salsa that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing snack. The sweet and juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and spicy jalapeño, making for a delicious and unique flavour combination.
Ingredients:
· 3 cups of diced watermelon
· ½ red onion, finely chopped
· 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
· ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
· 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
· ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
· In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced watermelon, finely chopped red onion, and jalapeño pepper.
· Add in the chopped cilantro and mix well.
· Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with salt.
· Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
· Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
· Serve chilled with tortilla chips or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing and delicious summer meal.
7. Chile Lime Grilled Watermelon
If you're looking for a unique and flavourful way to enjoy watermelon this summer, look no further than Chile Lime Grilled Watermelon! This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours, making it a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering.
Ingredients:
· 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into wedges
· ¼ cup fresh lime juice
· 2 tablespoons honey
· 1 tablespoon chilli powder
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
· Olive oil for grilling
Instructions:
· In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, chilli powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper to create a marinade.
· Place watermelon wedges in a large shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
· Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
· Brush grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
· Place watermelon wedges on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear.
· Serve grilled watermelon hot off the grill with additional lime wedges and a sprinkle of chilli powder for an extra kick of flavour.
· Enjoy the delicious and unique flavours of Chile Lime Grilled Watermelon at your next summer barbecue or outdoor gathering!
Watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be used to create a variety of creative and delicious dishes. From refreshing salads to savoury entrees and even sweet desserts, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using watermelon in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for a light summer snack or a bold and flavourful main course, watermelon can be a perfect ingredient to experiment with.
