watermelon gazpacho

One of the appetizers at the August TK dinner event was this Watermelon Gazpacho. I know, You're thinking "appetizer"? But those cups are actually pretty small so these servings are not nearly as large as the photo suggests.

What can I tell you about this? I think this is one of those love it or hate it dishes. I loved it. Totally refreshing and using an 'in-season' fruit that I had grabbed at the Farmers Market the day prior. Also, it's Gazpacho! NO cooking! A bit of chopping and then it all goes into the food processor.

This was Easy. It was filling. I was happy to serve it.

Husband and daughter thought it was weird. What can ya do...

YOU WILL NEED:

Gazpacho -

1 lb seedless watermelon - rind removed - coarsely chopped

1 large tomato -seeds removed - coarsely chopped

1 cucumber - coarsely chopped

1 jalapeno - seeds removed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoons red wine vinegar

salt

pepper

Crema and assembly -

1/4 cup toasted almonds

1/2 cup Feta cheese - crumbled

1/4 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 cups watermelon - cubed

1 cup cucumber - cubed

olive oil

salt

pepper

TO DO:

Chop that tomato up and let it sit in a colander over a bowl for about a half hour.

You want as much as possible of the liquid to drain out otherwise your soup is going to be super runny (you might be fine with this - I was not)

Puree the watermelon, tomato, cucumber, jalapeno, oil, and vinegar to desired consistency.

Transfer all this to a large bowl.

Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.

Cover and refrigerate.

(I made this a day ahead of time and it was perfect)

For the Crema,

Make sure you toast those almonds.

Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast at 350 for about 7 minutes.

Remove and set aside.

Mash the Feta cheese into the sour cream until almost smooth.

Whisk in the milk.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

ASSEMBLY -

Divide the cubed watermelon and cucumber into each serving dish.

Pour the Gazpacho over the top of the cubed items.

Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil.

Divide the Crema over the top of the oil.

Add the toasted almonds.

Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.