Spiced watermelon soup

A refreshing summery soup!

I love this dish because it is packed with flavour and only takes ten minutes to prepare. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you prefer; just be sure not to overwhelm the watermelon’s bright, fresh taste. It’s nice to serve in clear glasses or bowls to show off the soup’s gorgeous colour.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) finely chopped gingerroot
• 3 tablespoons (45 mL) finely chopped shallot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
• 5 cups (1.25 L) coarsely chopped seedless watermelon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) hot sauce (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves, for garnish

Method

• Put olive oil in a small saucepan, over medium heat.
• Add ginger, shallot and garlic and cook, stirring often, for three minutes or until slightly softened.
• Put chopped watermelon in a blender (or a large bowl, if using an immersion/stick blender) and add cooked seasonings.
• Puree until smooth.
• Add lime juice, hot sauce and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
• Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkling of chopped mint, or chill and serve within 2 days.

Makes 4 servings.