Cold Watermelon Soup with Shrimp
To prepare a watermelon soup with shrimp, we will start by choosing a fresh and ripe watermelon. Choose a watermelon with smooth skin, no spots, and a weight appropriate for its size. Once we have chosen the watermelon, we carefully cut off the top and bottom to stabilize it, then cut it in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. The watermelon pieces are cut into small cubes, which are easier to blend. We place these cubes in a blender, where we will combine them with a pinch of salt to highlight the flavors, a bit of white pepper, and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil, which will add a touch of finesse to the soup.
We blend everything until we achieve a homogeneous, creamy consistency that resembles a cold soup. It is important to taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to preference. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a few basil leaves, which pair very well with watermelon. After we have obtained the soup, we transfer it to a bowl or a pitcher and cover it with plastic wrap, then let it cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
In the meantime, we take care of the shrimp. We choose fresh, peeled, medium-sized shrimp. We heat a pan or griddle, adding a splash of olive oil. When the oil is hot, we add finely chopped garlic, letting it sauté for a few seconds to release its aroma, then we add the shrimp. They cook quickly, so we need to be careful not to leave them on the heat too long. After about two to three minutes, when they turn pink and opaque, we add salt and a little chili powder for an extra kick. We stir quickly and remove the pan from the heat.
For serving, we take the cold soup out of the refrigerator and pour it into deep plates. If desired, you can add ice cubes to maintain a low temperature. In the center of each plate, we carefully place the warm shrimp, and for a nice and fresh appearance, we garnish with a few green mint leaves, which will add extra flavor. This dish is ideal for hot summer days, being not only refreshing but also full of vitamins. Enjoy your meal! If you decide to serve the soup immediately, make sure the watermelon is well chilled and the shrimp are prepared at the last moment, to maintain the contrast of temperatures and textures.
Ingredients: 500g of watermelon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, 100g of prawns, 1 large clove of garlic, chili powder or dried chili, salt, a few mint leaves, a few ice cubes (optional)
