Cantaloupe Gazpacho With Crispy Prosciutto
- Yield:Serves 4-6
- Active time:20 minutes
- Total time:1 hour 20 minutes
This recipe appears in:
2 Non-Tomato Gazpachos to Beat the HeatInspired by the classic combination of melon with prosciutto, this cantaloupe soup is topped with oven-crisped prosciutto. [Photograph: Lauren Rothman]
Sweet ripe melon is a perfect candidate for the gazpacho treatment, yielding a coral-colored, subtly fruity chilled soup.
Why this recipe works:
- Cucumber and sweet onion balance cantaloupe's sweetness, coming together in a soup that's decidedly savory.
- Plenty of fruity olive oil emulsifies the watery ingredients into a velvety texture.
- A garnish of crispy, savory prosciutto adds texture and richness to the finished soup.
Ingredients
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 ripe medium cantaloupe, halved, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia), peeled and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, for serving
Directions
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1.
Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Place prosciutto on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake until prosciutto becomes very crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let cool completely. Crumble prosciutto into shards. Set aside.
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2.
In a blender, combine cantaloupe, cucumber, onion, ice water, and vinegar and blend at high speed until smooth. With blender running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Blend until smooth and frothy, about 1 minute longer. Season with salt. Transfer gazpacho to airtight container and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
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3.
Divide gazpacho between serving bowls and top with crispy prosciutto and sliced basil. Serve immediately.