Summer Cooking: Savory Watermelon 3 Ways

Watermelon is the perfect summer treat, and helps to energetically support the Heart, the organ “on call” in Summer. This extremely versatile fruit can be enjoyed as-is, dressed with condiments, grilled, or sauteed for completely different flavors. You’ll be amazed at how black pepper and balsamic vinegar can make watermelon come to life! Plus, grilling or cooking watermelon brings out its natural juices, allowing them to caramelize. It’s Nature’s sweetness at its finest!

You’ll need only one medium-sized watermelon for all three of these recipes. Plus, you’ll be left with some extra watermelon to slice and enjoy. Be sure to save the white rind for Recipe 3. You might just be surprised at how delicious it is!

Recipe 1: Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 large watermelon, cubed (Save the white rind for Recipe 3!)

3 cucumbers, sliced and seeded

fresh mint leaves, chopped

juice from 1 lemon or lime

freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring continually, until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Add the watermelon, cucumber and fresh mint to a bowl. Top with the fresh lemon or lime juice and the freshly ground pepper. Gently toss to combine.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve!

Recipe 2: Grilled Watermelon

Ingredients:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 watermelon, sliced into 1″ thick wedges

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

freshly ground sea salt, to taste

freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring continually, until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Brush the watermelon wedges with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Place on a hot grill to sear, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

Make it a complete meal! Add grilled corn and crispy chickpeas!

Get Creative: Combine Recipes 1 and 2 for heightened flavor. Grill the watermelon, cube it, and add cucumber and fresh mint. Top with the fresh lemon or lime juice and the freshly ground pepper. Gently toss to combine.

Recipe 3: Watermelon Rind Saute

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons sunflower oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 scallions, roughly chopped and separated

4 slices fresh ginger

rind from 1/2 large watermelon, green skin removed, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon mushroom seasoning

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Heat a wok over high heat. Add the sunflower oil and the salt. When the oil is hot, add the whites of the scallions and the fresh ginger. Stir to combine.

When the mixture is fragrant, add the watermelon rind, the mushroom seasoning and the sugar. Mix well. Then cover the wok for 3-4 minutes to allow the rind to cook down and the flavors to mingle.

Add the scallion greens and mix again. Remove from the wok and serve!