Grilled Watermelon Delight
Discover the incredible flavors of grilled watermelon, a unique dish that transcends traditional desserts and side dishes. When grilled, watermelon takes on a wonderfully meaty texture and a subtle sweetness that surprises the palate. Originating from Sweden, this remarkable dish has endless possibilities. Serve it as a refreshing side, in a vibrant salad with greens and tangy cheese, or as a standalone dessert drizzled with a delightful balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer barbecues or any gathering, it’s bound to be a conversation starter!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seedless watermelon
8 slices (Cut into wedges, 1.5 inches thick)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For brushing on watermelon wedges)
Sea salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the seedless watermelon in half. With the cut side facing down, slice each half into wedges, approximately 1.5 inches thick. Depending on the size of your melon, you can cut each slice in half or thirds to create manageable wedges while leaving the rind on for better handling.
2
Once cut, lightly sprinkle sea salt on both sides of each wedge. Stand the wedges on their edges in a colander or on a rack set over a sink to drain for 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture by removing excess moisture.
3
Preheat your grill to high heat while the watermelon is draining. This ensures that you achieve nice grill marks and a caramelized exterior.
4
After 30 minutes, rinse each wedge under cold, running water to remove the salt. Pat each piece dry between two folded paper towels, pressing gently until you feel the watermelon firm up without crushing it.
5
Brush both sides of the watermelon wedges lightly with olive oil. Carefully place the wedges on the preheated grill and cook for about 5 minutes. Look for those delectable grill marks and a slight softening of the flesh.
6
Once grilled to perfection, remove the watermelon from the grill and finish by sprinkling with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Serve immediately, either as is, or with your favorite salad ingredients or dressings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Watermelon Delight?
Grilled Watermelon Delight is a unique dish that transforms watermelon into a meaty, subtly sweet treat through grilling, originating from Sweden.
What is the origin of this grilled watermelon dish?
This remarkable dish originates from Sweden.
How does grilling change the texture of watermelon?
When grilled, watermelon takes on a wonderfully meaty texture that surprises the palate.
What type of watermelon should I use?
The recipe recommends using a seedless watermelon for the best results.
How thick should the watermelon wedges be sliced?
The watermelon should be sliced into wedges approximately 1.5 inches thick.
Why is sea salt added before grilling?
Sprinkling sea salt on the wedges before grilling enhances the flavor and helps remove excess moisture to improve texture.
How long should the watermelon drain before cooking?
The watermelon wedges should drain for 30 minutes in a colander or on a rack.
What is the best way to drain the watermelon wedges?
Stand the wedges on their edges in a colander or on a rack set over a sink.
Should I rinse the watermelon after salting?
Yes, after 30 minutes of draining, rinse each wedge under cold running water to remove the salt.
How should I dry the watermelon after rinsing?
Pat each piece dry between two folded paper towels, pressing gently until the watermelon feels firm.
What grill temperature is required?
Preheat your grill to high heat to achieve proper grill marks and a caramelized exterior.
What type of oil should be used for brushing?
Lightly brush both sides of the watermelon wedges with olive oil.
How long does it take to grill the watermelon?
The wedges should be cooked on the preheated grill for about 5 minutes.
What visual cues indicate the watermelon is ready?
Look for delectable grill marks and a slight softening of the watermelon flesh.
What seasonings are added after grilling?
Finish the dish by sprinkling it with more sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Can I serve grilled watermelon as a dessert?
Yes, it can be served as a standalone dessert, especially when drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
What glaze pairs well with grilled watermelon?
A delightful balsamic glaze is recommended for a sweet finish.
How can I use grilled watermelon in a salad?
It can be served in a vibrant salad with fresh greens and tangy cheese.
What kind of cheese goes well with this dish?
Tangy cheeses are specifically mentioned as a great pairing for grilled watermelon salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian recipe.
Should I leave the rind on the watermelon?
Yes, leaving the rind on allows for better handling of the wedges while grilling.
Is this dish good for summer barbecues?
It is described as perfect for summer barbecues and is likely to be a conversation starter.
What is the first step in preparing the watermelon?
Begin by cutting the seedless watermelon in half before slicing it into wedges.
How do I prevent the watermelon from being crushed?
When drying with paper towels, press gently until you feel it firm up without applying too much pressure.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a refreshing side dish.
What ingredients are needed for seasoning?
You will need olive oil, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper.
Does grilling make the watermelon sweeter?
Grilling helps develop a subtle sweetness and a caramelized exterior.
How many slices does this recipe typically cover?
The ingredient list specifies 8 slices of seedless watermelon.
When should I serve the grilled watermelon?
It should be served immediately after being removed from the grill.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dessert and a unique, fresh recipe.