Are you tired of throwing away that pesky watermelon rind after a refreshing summer snack? Think again! Watermelon rinds are a treasure trove of flavors and textures, just waiting to be transformed into delicious recipes. From sweet treats like jams and sorbets to tangy condiments like chutneys and BBQ sauces, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing watermelon rind recipes that will make you rethink the humble rind’s role in your kitchen. From spicy pickles to savory stir-fries, these innovative ideas will inspire you to get creative with this often-overlooked ingredient. So go ahead, grab some rinds, and get ready to elevate your cooking game!
Spicy Pickled Watermelon Rind
This sweet and spicy condiment is a refreshing twist on traditional pickling recipes. It’s perfect as a side dish or used as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part only)
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Slice the watermelon rind into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced rind, white vinegar, sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rind is tender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Watermelon Rind Chutney
Discover the hidden flavor of watermelon rinds! This sweet and tangy chutney is perfect for topping yogurt, using as a dip for snacks, or serving alongside grilled meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part only), diced
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine watermelon rind, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in grated ginger and season with salt to taste.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Watermelon Rind Jam
This unique jam is a creative way to repurpose watermelon rinds, resulting in a sweet and tangy spread perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rinds (white part only)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Cut the watermelon rinds into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large saucepan.
3. Add sugar, honey, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the jam thickens.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry with Garlic
Discover a surprising twist on traditional stir-fries with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that showcases the often-overlooked watermelon rind. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for hot summer days when you crave something light and rejuvenating.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind, sliced into thin strips
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the watermelon rind and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly tender.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Watermelon Rind Curry with Coconut Milk
This refreshing curry is a unique twist on traditional Indian dishes, using the often-discarded watermelon rind to add natural sweetness and texture. Perfect for warm weather or as a side dish, this recipe showcases the versatility of watermelon in a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind, sliced into thin strips
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add watermelon rind and stir to combine with the spice mixture.
5. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rind is tender.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Candied Watermelon Rind
Transform watermelon rinds into a sweet and tangy treat with this simple recipe. Perfect for using up leftover rinds or adding a unique twist to your next gathering.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb watermelon rind (white part only)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the watermelon rind into 1-inch pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and citric acid (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Pour the hot syrup over the watermelon rind, making sure they are all coated.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until the rind is caramelized and sticky.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Watermelon Rind Gazpacho
Transform watermelon rinds into a cool and creamy soup perfect for hot summer days. This unique gazpacho recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy the sweet flavor of watermelon in a new way.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind, diced
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon rind, cucumber, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, then transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
3. Whisk in olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cold soup)
Watermelon Rind Kimchi
This sweet and spicy kimchi is made with the often-discarded watermelon rind, which becomes tender and flavorful through a simple fermentation process. Perfect for hot summer days, this recipe adds a refreshing twist to traditional Korean ferments.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part only)
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Cut the watermelon rind into small pieces and combine with chili flakes, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, green onions, sesame seeds, and garlic in a large bowl.
2. Massage the mixture with your hands for about 5 minutes to release juices from the rind.
3. Pack the kimchi mixture into a jar, pressing down firmly to remove air pockets.
4. Leave at room temperature (68-72°F) for 1-2 days or until it reaches desired level of fermentation and sourness.
5. Store in refrigerator to slow down fermentation.
Cooking Time: 1-2 days
Watermelon Rind Salad with Mint and Feta
Watermelon Rind Salad with Mint and Feta Recipe
Refreshing and light, this Watermelon Rind Salad with Mint and Feta is perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet watermelon rind, tangy feta cheese, and cooling mint will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part), sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon rind, mint leaves, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (refrigeration time)
Watermelon Rind Smoothie with Ginger
This refreshing smoothie is a perfect way to beat the heat on a summer day. The combination of sweet watermelon rind, spicy ginger, and creamy yogurt creates a unique and revitalizing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part)
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup ice cubes
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel the ginger and chop it into small pieces.
2. In a blender, combine watermelon rind, ginger, and yogurt. Blend until smooth.
3. Add ice cubes and blend until crushed and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Watermelon Rind Salsa Verde
This salsa verde recipe uses watermelon rinds, which are typically discarded, to create a unique and flavorful condiment perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced watermelon rinds
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon rinds, parsley, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño.
2. Blend until coarsely chopped, leaving some texture.
3. Stir in lime juice and season with salt to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salsa verde is ready to use immediately.
Watermelon Rind and Cucumber Relish
This relish is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, cheeses, or as a topping for crackers. The combination of sweet watermelon rind and tangy cucumber creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part only), diced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine watermelon rind, cucumber, red onion, and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the vinegar-honey mixture over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This relish is best served fresh, so don’t worry about cooking time.
Watermelon Rind Soup with Lemongrass
This unique soup celebrates the often-overlooked watermelon rind, combining its subtle sweetness with the zesty warmth of lemongrass. Perfect for a light and revitalizing meal on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs watermelon rinds (white part only), diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine watermelon rinds, broth, and lemongrass. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Remove lemongrass stalk and puree soup with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
3. Add honey and salt; stir to combine.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Watermelon Rind Tacos with Spiced Chickpeas
This recipe combines the sweetness of watermelon rind with the savory flavor of spiced chickpeas, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (white part only)
– 1 can chickpeas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 taco shells
– Optional: shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, toss watermelon rind with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
5. Add chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Assemble tacos by placing roasted watermelon rind on a shell, followed by spiced chickpeas and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Watermelon Rind Slaw with Lime Dressing
This refreshing slaw is a perfect side dish or topping for grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. The lime dressing adds a bright and tangy flavor to the sweet and crunchy watermelon rind.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cut the watermelon rind into thin strips, about 1 inch wide.
3. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon rind, red onion, and jalapeño pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
5. Pour the lime dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Watermelon Rind and Pineapple Sorbet
This unique sorbet recipe combines the sweet and refreshing flavors of watermelon rind and pineapple, perfect for hot summer days. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon rind (about 1/4 of a small melon)
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon rind until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the watermelon puree.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required). Churning time will depend on your ice cream maker.
Watermelon Rind BBQ Sauce
This unique BBQ sauce recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of watermelon rind to create a tangy, sweet, and smoky condiment perfect for slathering on meats, vegetables, or using as a dip. With its refreshing twist on traditional BBQ sauces, this recipe is sure to become a summer favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup watermelon rind (dried and chopped)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon rind, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Usage: Use as a BBQ sauce, dip, or marinade for your favorite meats or vegetables. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Watermelon Rind and Shrimp Ceviche
This unique ceviche recipe combines the sweetness of watermelon rind with the savory flavor of shrimp, perfect for a light and refreshing summer appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup diced watermelon rind
– 1/2 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1-2 dashes of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced watermelon rind and shrimp.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Stir in the chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add hot sauce if desired (start with 1 dash and adjust to taste).
6. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This ceviche is best served immediately after preparation.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these refreshing watermelon rind recipes! From sweet treats like Candied Watermelon Rind and Watermelon Rind Sorbet, to savory dishes like Spicy Pickled Watermelon Rind and Watermelon Rind Curry with Coconut Milk, there’s something for everyone. Try using watermelon rind in a Watermelon Rind Chutney or Jam, or add some crunch to your meals with a Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry or Slaw. Even summer’s heat won’t stand a chance against these cooling and delicious recipes!
Leave a Reply