It’s summertime, which means it’s time for braais, park days, and picnics. While packing your basket, don’t forget fruit — especially melons! Is it even summer until you’ve bitten into a juicy slice of watermelon?
Melons aren’t just for fruit salads or eating raw. There are so many creative ways to enjoy this refreshing fruit. Let’s explore some unusual yet delicious ways to use melons this season.
Watermelon Steak
Are you vegan, or hosting vegetarians? A watermelon steak is a fantastic plant-based option. It looks so convincing you won’t believe it’s fruit!
Recipe:
- Cut two thick watermelon slices (without the rind).
- Marinate for 20 minutes in:
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke (or smoked paprika)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 finely chopped chilli
- Salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the watermelon on both sides until browned.
- Finish with balsamic vinegar.
You can also keep the rind on and braai it as a vegan “chop.”
Wash your melons: Before cutting into a melon to try these recipes, make sure to thoroughly wash them. A simple way to do this is by getting a small produce brush (or a clean dish sponge) and washing the melon with baking soda and vinegar. Rinse well with water, and you’re good to go.
Watermelon Rind Chutney
Don’t throw away watermelon rinds—they make a delicious chutney that’s the perfect side for curries!
Ingredients:
- 5 cups watermelon rind (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 5 cm minced ginger
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 diced chili
- Salt and pepper.
Method:
Cook the ingredients in a slow cooker for 5 hours, or on the stovetop over low heat. Cool, then store in a glass jar in the fridge.
Sweet-Melon Salsa
No Mexican-inspired meal is complete without salsa! Sweet melon salsa adds a fruity twist.
Ingredients:
- Sweet melon (chopped)
- 1-2 jalapeños (finely chopped)
- Red onion (chopped)
- Coriander (chopped)
- Salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
You can also add cucumber or other veggies. This salsa is perfect with seafood, like prawn tacos!
Melon Slushie
Stay cool with a refreshing melon slushie—perfect for summer parties!
Recipe:
- Cut melon into chunks and freeze overnight.
- Make a simple syrup with sugar and water.
- Blend frozen melon with the syrup.
- Add extras like mint, lemon juice, salt, or a shot of vodka or tequila.
ALSO SEE: How to pick the right watermelon
Written by Paula Rabeling for Food&Home November 2021.
Feature image: Pexels
