Yes, you can cook watermelon! While watermelon is most commonly eaten raw as a refreshing summer fruit, it can also be used in a variety of cooked dishes. Here are a few ideas for cooking with watermelon:
Grilled watermelon: Cut watermelon into thick slices and grill them on a preheated grill until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve as a side dish or topping for a salad.
Watermelon salsa: Dice watermelon and mix with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. Add lime juice and salt to taste. Serve as a topping for tacos or with chips as a dip.
Watermelon smoothie: Blend watermelon, frozen fruit, and milk or yogurt to make a refreshing smoothie. Add a handful of greens for a healthy twist.
Watermelon salad: Combine diced watermelon with feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a light and refreshing salad.
Watermelon sorbet: Blend watermelon and simple syrup in a blender until smooth. Pour into a shallow dish and freeze until solid. Break into chunks and blend in a food processor until smooth. Serve as a refreshing dessert.
These are just a few ideas, and there are many other ways to incorporate watermelon into your cooking.Here are a few more ideas for cooking with watermelon:
Watermelon Gazpacho: Blend watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a blender until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Serve chilled as a refreshing soup.
Watermelon Steak: Cut watermelon into thick slices and season with salt and pepper. Grill on a preheated grill until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve as a vegetarian main dish or as a topping for a salad.
Watermelon BBQ Sauce: Blend watermelon, tomatoes, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and vinegar in a blender until smooth. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Use as a BBQ sauce for grilled chicken, pork, or beef.
Watermelon Margarita: Blend watermelon, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec in a blender until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve with a rim of salt.
Watermelon Salad with Arugula and Prosciutto: Combine diced watermelon, arugula, and thin slices of prosciutto. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.
These are just a few ideas, and there are many other ways to incorporate watermelon into your cooking. Experiment and have fun with it!