Watermelon Gazpacho

Nothing says summer like watermelon. With the 4th of July right around the corner, why not take a Spanish classic and Americanize it a little bit? Gazpacho is always better the second day so I suggest that you make it and let it do its magic overnight. If you want to take it to the next level, add a little feta cheese on top, too.

Watermelon Gazpacho

1. 6 1/2 pounds tomatoes, cored
2. 2 pounds seedless watermelon, peeled—2 cups coarsely chopped, 2 cups diced
3. 2 pounds cucumbers, peeled and seeded—2 cups coarsely chopped, 2 cups diced
4. 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
5. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. Salt and freshly ground pepper
7. 6 scallions, thinly sliced
8. 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
9. 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
10. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
11. 1/2 cup minced chives, for garnish

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tomatoes and blanch until the skins are loosened, about 30 seconds. Transfer the tomatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet and let cool.
2. Peel the tomatoes and halve them crosswise. Working over a coarse sieve set over a large bowl, squeeze the tomato halves to release the seeds and juices. Press on the seeds; you should have about 2 cups of tomato juices in the bowl. Coarsely chop enough of the tomatoes to make 4 cups. Cut the remaining tomatoes into 1/2-inch dice.
3. In a food processor, puree the coarsely chopped tomatoes with the reserved tomato juice and the 2 cups each of chopped watermelon and cucumber. Transfer the soup to a large bowl. Stir in the diced tomato, watermelon and cucumber, the vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
4. In a small bowl, mix the scallions, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle the chives on top. Pass the scallion relish at the table.

Watermelon Gazpacho