Tandoori Watermelon

Tandoori Watermelon

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with Tandoori Watermelon, a refreshing appetizer that marries the smoky, aromatic spices of traditional tandoori cuisine with the natural sweetness of juicy watermelon. This unique dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a vibrant splash of color to your table, perfect for summer gatherings or barbecues. The bright notes of fresh mint and zesty lemon elevate this dish, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, tandoori cooking traditionally involves marinating meats in a blend of spices and yogurt before cooking them in a clay oven, or 'tandoor'. This recipe offers a vegetarian twist, allowing everyone to enjoy the bold flavors of tandoori spices in a new and exciting way.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Watermelon (1 medium, cut into thick slices (about 1 inch thick))
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Greek yogurt (1/2 cup)
  • Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
  • Tandoori spice mix (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cut the watermelon into thick slices, about 1 inch thick. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for a playful presentation.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and salt to create a smooth marinade.
  4. Brush the tandoori marinade generously onto both sides of the watermelon slices, ensuring they are well-coated.
  5. Place the watermelon slices on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the watermelon is slightly caramelized.
  6. Remove the grilled watermelon slices from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Serve the tandoori watermelon slices as a unique and refreshing appetizer, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Appetizer • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 8 minutes • Calories: 120 • Fat: 2g • Carbs: 25g • Protein: 5g • Sodium: 250mg • Sugar: 18g