Juicy Watermelon Ideas

July 15, 2009

SAVEUR magazine shows you these refreshing watermelon recipes from a simple drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar to pickled and prosciutto-wrapped.

In Italy and, increasingly, the United States, chefs drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over watermelon and serve it as a simple first course.André Baranowski

Watermelon gives the Silver Coin Margarita, from Austin's Fonda San Miguel, its refreshing kick. We recommend using Herradura Silver Tequila.André Baranowski

The recipe for these savory pickles is based on one that appears in Pickled: Preserving a World of Tastes and Traditions by Lucy Norris (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2003). See the recipe for Russian Pickled Watermelon »André Baranowski

Watermelon Cooler — Sweet watermelon balances the heat of Scotch bonnet chiles in this summery tequila-based drink.Todd Coleman

Watermelon Rind Pickles — Crunchy, sweet watermelon pickles offer a bright contrast to smoked meats.Todd Coleman

Centuries later, Mennonite emigres from Ukraine, among others, brought pickled rinds to the States, along with another favorite: watermelon syrup; boiled down with a bit of sugar, the melon's juice becomes thick and lustrous, perfect for drizzling over pancakes or ice cream.André Baranowski

Chef Bill Smith of Crook's Corner, a restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, serves a version of this refreshing dish during the late summer. Smith says he developed the salad after paying a visit to a few of his former cooks in Mexico, where he discovered a range of dishes that melded sweet, spicy, and sour flavors. See the recipe for Watermelon and Tomato Salad »André Baranowski

Watermelon Curry — A specialty of the Indian state of Rajasthan, this delicious curry plays the sweet, juicy flesh of the watermelon against a complex background of chiles and spices.SAVEUR

The Merchant's Wife — A bright mix of watermelon, gin, Aperol, lemon juice, and a splash of club soda, this drink from Stella Rosa Pizza Bar in Santa Monica is well-balanced, effervescent, and not too sweet.Maxime Iattoni

Watermelon Salad with Cilantro, Radish Sprouts, and Cotija — In this refreshing salad, watermelon at the peak of its sweetness is tossed in a zesty vinaigrette with spicy radish sprouts.Laura Sant

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