Watermelon Gazpacho

(1)

This cool, sweet-tangy riff on the Spanish staple was inspired by an abundance of watermelons from a farm on the island. More Gazpachos

Watermelon Gazpacho
This sweet-tangy riff on the Spanish staple is great for a crowd. Photo: © Buff Strickland
Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Yield:
12

Ingredients

  • 6 1/2 pounds tomatoes, cored

  • 2 pounds seedless watermelon, peeled—2 cups coarsely chopped, 2 cups diced

  • 2 pounds cucumbers, peeled and seeded—2 cups coarsely chopped, 2 cups diced

  • 1/4 cup sherry vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 6 scallions, thinly sliced

  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced

  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1/2 cup minced chives, for garnish

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes and blanch until the skins are loosened, about 30 seconds. Transfer the tomatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet and let cool.

  2. Peel the tomatoes and halve them crosswise. Working over a coarse sieve set over a large bowl, squeeze the tomato halves to release the seeds and juices. Press on the seeds; you should have about 2 cups of tomato juices in the bowl. Coarsely chop enough of the tomatoes to make 4 cups. Cut the remaining tomatoes into 1/2-inch dice.

  3. In a food processor, puree the coarsely chopped tomatoes with the reserved tomato juice and the 2 cups each of chopped watermelon and cucumber. Transfer the soup to a large bowl. Stir in the diced tomato, watermelon and cucumber, the vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

  4. In a small bowl, mix the scallions, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle the chives on top. Pass the scallion relish at the table.

Make Ahead

The watermelon gazpacho can be refrigerated overnight.

Related Articles