Melon-and-Strawberry Salad with Spicy Lemongrass Syrup

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 2 plump lemongrass stalks, bruised and coarsely chopped
2. 2 fresh hot red chiles, quartered lengthwise
3. Finely grated zest of 1 lime
4. 1 cup sugar
5. 1 pound strawberries, halved or quartered if large
6. 1 pound cubed (3/4-inch) peeled yellow or white-fleshed melon such as Canary or Crenshaw
7. 2 tablespoons slivered mint leaves
8. 2 teaspoons minced crystallized ginger
9. 1/2 cup crème fraîche

1. Set a medium bowl in a large bowl filled with ice. In a medium saucepan, combine the lemongrass, chiles, lime zest and sugar with 1 cup of water and bring to boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Transfer to the ice water bath and let chill for 15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the strawberries with the melon and mint. Strain the cooled lemongrass syrup over the fruit and toss gently. Refrigerate just until slightly chilled.
3. In a bowl, stir the ginger into the crème fraîche. Spoon the fruit salad into bowls, top with a dollop of the ginger cream and serve.