Refreshing watermelon gazpacho
Watermelon is in abundance in Ibiza in summer. To make the most of this hydrating fruit (it contains 92% water) we love serving this refreshing soup that combines salty, sour, spicy and sweet flavours. It is best prepared a few hours in advance so the flavours are well combined and served straight from the fridge.
Ingredients (Serves 6) 1 kg watermelon flesh, chopped 1 large tomato, peeled and deseeded 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped 1/4 red onion 1/2 red pepper 1-2 fresh chillies 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Zest and juice of 2 limes 2 tsp agave syrup or any sweetener (optional) A pinch of salt and black pepper
Garnish 350g watermelon flesh, roughly chopped 1 small cucumber, chopped into small pieces 1/4 red onion, finely sliced handful feta cheese handful mint
Method
In a hand blender or mixer, blend all the gazpacho ingredients until smooth. Season to taste, add more sweetener or an extra chilli if preferred. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Just before serving, divide the soup into bowls along with the garnishes on top.
Useful tip: always buy watermelon whole rather than half wrapped in cling film as the cling film touching the fruit gives rise to bacteria. If you don’t know what to do with the extra watermelon, chop in pieces and freeze. When really hot outside, whizz the frozen watermelon to get a lovely watermelon slush (can add a hint of mint).