With the onset of summer, the temperature is rising and the summer sun is taking centre stage across the country. To get respite from the heat, people are indulging in refreshing and hydrating dishes. Watermelon, the national fruit of the summer season, gets flooded in the markets, with people buying it in bulk.
With its high water content, around 92%, watermelon bursts with refreshing flavour and hydrating goodness. It is sufficient to cool off your body, especially in the hot months. It replenishes the body’s fluid lost through sweat and prevents dehydration. Its sweet flavour makes it a refreshing and guilt-free treat, satisfying sweet cravings without adding calories. The fruit is low in calories and fat, making it a nutritious choice for those who are on a weight-loss journey. From light salads to frozen treats, here are several delicious watermelon recipes that you can enjoy in the summer. Take a look:
- Watermelon Chaat
To cool off your summer, indulge in sweet and savoury watermelon chaat, which is a popular street food in India. All you need is watermelon cut into cubes, combined with chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a hint of red chilli powder. Top the chaat with freshly chopped coriander and a dash of lemon juice. This refreshing chaat is an excellent mid-morning snack option during hot days.
- Watermelon Salad With Feta And Mint
The refreshing sweetness of the watermelon, the salty tanginess of the feta cheese and the fresh aroma of mint leaves will be the appropriate salad you must be craving this summer. To prepare this, cut the chilled watermelon into cubes and toss it with crumbled feta cheese, sliced onions, and chopped mint leaves. Make a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and add it to the watermelon-feta salad. Serve this as a side to a dish and enjoy it as a light and healthy meal.
- Watermelon Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a chilled soup hailing from Spain but you can add a summery twist with the addition of sweet and juicy watermelon. This is crafted by blending diced watermelon, cucumbers, red bell pepper, tomato, onion, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. Season the blend with salt, pepper, and a hint of chilli powder for a touch of heat. Chill the watermelon gazpacho for an hour before serving. Garnish with cubes of watermelon on top.
- Watermelon And Paneer Skewers
If you’re organising a get-together and wondering what appetiser to make, watermelon and paneer skewers are the perfect ones for summer. On skewers, thread cubes of watermelon and paneer, alternating between the two ingredients. You can marinate the paneer in a mixture of yoghurt and spices. Prepare the paneer cubes beforehand by brushing them with oil and pan-frying them. On skewers, thread cubes of watermelon and paneer, alternating between the two ingredients. drizzle lemon juice on it and sprinkle some coriander leaves on it. Your refreshing skewer for the summer party is ready.
- Watermelon-Mint Sorbet
Your hot summer days can be made refreshing with watermelon mint sorbet. For this, you need to puree cubes of fresh watermelon with a handful of mint leaves and squeeze some lemon into it until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for several hours, stirring occasionally to break up any ice crystals. Freeze it for hours, scoop the sorbet into bowls and garnish with mint leaves.
- Watermelon And Cucumber Cooler
It is important to hydrate yourself and nothing can be better than a watermelon and cucumber cooler. Blend chunks of watermelon, peeled cucumber, lemon juice, and ice cubes into a smooth consistency. For an extra refreshing flavour, you can also add coconut water to it. Pour into the glasses and garnish with cucumber slices and mint leaves. It is a perfect thirst-quenching beverage for the summer months.