Simple and Refreshing Watermelon Soup with Chamomile-Infusion
This watermelon soup with chamomile infusion is simple to make and refreshing to eat on a hot summer day. Made with three garden ingredients, it’s the perfect dish-to-pass at your next summertime BBQ gathering. Everyone will love the classic taste of watermelon with a twist!
Once summertime arrived this year, I had a strong craving for the sweet, juicy taste of watermelon. I’m not sure why since it’s never been an overwhelming favorite of mine. As I ate my first slice of the summer, I thought back to the time I had a bowl of fruit soup as a child.
At the time, I thought it was a rather unique concept since fruit is generally consumed whole. The soup was delicious of course! Thinking back to that moment inspired this naturally sweet watermelon soup recipe.
In the heart of summer, this recipe is easy to make and requires no cooking. It’s instantly refreshing on a hot, humid day and is a great way to use up garden ingredients that quickly spoil in a hot kitchen. Guests will love the simple light and airy texture and sweet taste of this soup at your next summertime gathering.
And the best part? Watermelon freezes very easily so come the middle of January when most people long for summer, the sun-ripened flavor can take you right back to the warm, slow days of the season. Moments like that are one of many reasons why I love preserving my own food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No cooking required – Who wants to cook when it’s so hot? I’d rather be outside eating my meal in the sunshine instead of leaning over a hot stovetop making it. This watermelon soup only requires a blender!
Lots of flavor – The crisp taste of a garden fresh cucumber blended with the refreshing taste of homegrown watermelon, all infused with the sweet herbal flavor of chamomile from your herb garden. What’s not to love?!
Affordable and Healthy –. Made with three simple ingredients which are often in abundance in gardens everywhere this time of year. No grocery store required! And cucumber, watermelon and chamomile all offer several vitamins and nutrients our bodies need especially during the summer. And with watermelon being naturally sweet, there isn’t any added sugar or the cost of using it. For those without access to these fresh ingredients, they are usually on sale at the grocery store this time of year. It’ll still be an affordable dish to make.
Versatile – This watermelon soup with chamomile infusion can simply be served in a bowl with a spoon to enjoy. But it also lends itself to thinking outside the box. The puree is easily turned into watermelon popsicles or watermelon ice for an ice cream alternative. Or perhaps a refreshing, slushy drink? Here in Wisconsin, we love our adult beverages! The possibilities are endless!
Helpful Hints
- How do you know when a watermelon is ripe?
A watermelon is ripe when the ground spot turns yellow, the stem area appears brown and shriveled, it feels heavy in weight and sounds hollow when knocked on like a door. Do not choose if the stem area appears forcibly ripped off the vine. These tips are important because once picked, a watermelon does not continue to ripen.
- How do you slice a watermelon?
When slicing a watermelon, choose a sturdy surface with a cutting board large enough to hold it. Choose a very sharp, large knife, firmly hold with one hand and slowly make a cut. Place a towel under the cutting board to keep it from slipping and to catch the juice.
- How much home grown chamomile should be used to infuse the soup?
This is a personal preference depending on how strong you want the flavor to be in your soup. I filled a small tea bag full for a 1-quart jar. The flavor was strong, but subtle at the same time.
- What is a herbal infusion?
A herbal infusion simply means to steep an herb in a liquid or oil and later remove it. The flavor is left behind, but the herb itself is removed. It’s a popular culinary move to flavor dipping oils, soups and beverages.
How to Make Watermelon Soup with Chamomile Infusion
What You’ll Need
- Blender
- 1 quart or half-gallon Mason jar
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cup
- 1-2 empty tea bags for dried chamomile or 1-2 store bought tea bags of chamomile
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Peel and chop cucumber and place in blender. Cut watermelon off the rind, remove seeds and chop into 1-inch cubes. Place in blender and puree until smooth.
Pour puree into a glass Mason jar.
Place chamomile tea bag(s) into the jar of watermelon puree. Infuse with the chamomile for an hour either in the sun or on a countertop. Then taste test for the strength of the flavor. If you prefer a stronger hint of chamomile, steep for another hour and taste test again. Once satisfied with the chamomile flavor, place in refrigerator to chill. Serve once the soup is chilled or store in the fridge up to three days for best flavor.
While the puree is steeping with the chamomile, secure with a lid and shake occasionally to ensure that the flavor blends evenly throughout the jar.
FAQ’s
When is a watermelon ripe enough to use?
A watermelon is ripe when the ground spot turns yellow, the stem area appears brown and shriveled, it feels heavy in weight and sounds hollow when knocked on like a door. Do not choose if the stem area appears forcibly ripped off the vine. These tips are important because once picked, a watermelon does not continue to ripen.
Can this recipe be doubled?
I recommend making several single batches of this recipe that can be added together in a large container. A blender will only hold the amount of ingredients listed.
Can watermelon soup be infused with a different herb other than chamomile?
Yes, be creative with your herbal options! I experimented with rosemary (super delicious!) and mint. If you like spicy, try infusing with jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can watermelon soup be frozen?
Yes, when freezing in a glass jar leave two inches of headspace to avoid jar breakage. If using a glass baking dish, make sure to place on a level surface in your freezer to avoid a mess. Cover with parchment paper before placing lid on to preserve a fresher flavor.
Simple and Refreshing Watermelon Soup with Chamomile Infusion
This watermelon soup with chamomile infusion is simple to make and refreshing to eat on a hot summer day. Made with three garden ingredients, it's the perfect dish-to-pass at your next summertime BBQ gathering. Everyone will love the classic taste of watermelon with a twist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 4 cups chopped watermelon with seeds removed
- 1-2 bags chamomile tea
Instructions
- Peel and chop cucumber and place in blender. Cut watermelon off the rind, remove seeds and chop into 1-inch cubes. Place in blender and puree until smooth.
- Pour puree into a glass Mason jar.
- Place chamomile tea bag(s) into the jar of watermelon puree. Infuse with the chamomile for an hour either in the sun or on a countertop. Then taste test for the strength of the flavor. If you prefer a stronger hint of chamomile, steep for another hour and taste test again. Once satisfied with the chamomile flavor, place in refrigerator to chill. Serve once the soup is chilled or store in the fridge up to three days for best flavor.
- While the puree is steeping with the chamomile, secure with a lid and shake occasionally to ensure that the flavor blends evenly throughout the jar.
Notes
How do you know when a watermelon is ripe?
A watermelon is ripe when the ground spot turns yellow, the stem area appears brown and shriveled, it feels heavy in weight and sounds hollow when knocked on like a door. Do not choose if the stem area appears forcibly ripped off the vine. These tips are important because once picked, a watermelon does not continue to ripen.
How do you slice a watermelon?
When slicing a watermelon, choose a sturdy surface with a cutting board large enough to hold it. Choose a very sharp, large knife, firmly hold with one hand and slowly make a cut. Place a towel under the cutting board to keep it from slipping and to catch the juice.
How much home grown chamomile should be used to infuse the soup?
This is a personal preference depending on how strong you want the flavor to be in your soup. I filled a small tea bag full for a 1-quart jar. The flavor was strong, but subtle at the same time.
What is a herbal infusion?
A herbal infusion simply means to steep an herb in a liquid or oil and later remove it. The flavor is left behind, but the herb itself is removed. It's a popular culinary move to flavor dipping oils, soups and beverages.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 51Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g
I’m a wife and homemaker inspiring old-fashioned skills always with a cup of coffee in hand. Homemaking. Gardening. Food. DIY.
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