Watermelon marinated in honey, vinegar and mint, then sauteed. This watermelon fried with honey and mint is a recipe for Michelin-starred French chef Michel Trama, quoted by Spanish chef Miguel López Castanier, chef at the Madrilenian Taberna de Liria in one of his books. Alright, I can’t say it is strictly a Spanish tapa, and it’s not traditional at all, but it perfectly fits the modern tapa concept. It thrives on Mediterranean ingredients and it is strikingly delicious and refreshing. I’m no fan of watermelon, I find it bland (in any case, I ‘m not much of a fruit lover ). But the marinade in this recipe gives the watermelon precisely the spark I’m missing.
The combination of flavors is amazing in this recipe. Especially the mint gives it a great twist. And do not think I’m overdoing the mint, the taste is diluted a bit with the heat of sauteeing. Anyway, it perfectly matches the flavor of watermelon. When warm weather starts to come in, you crave for these quick recipes. Serve this appetizer with a chilled beer and your guests will be delighted. Cross my heart. To the point:
PrintSchool of tapas: Sauteed watermelon with honey and mint
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Refreshing watermelon marinated in honey, vinegar, and mint, then sautéed to perfection. A modern twist on a tapa with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 watermelon, peeled and sliced
- 1 heaping tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons Spanish Sherry vinegar (or plain white wine vinegar)
- 1 good bunch of mint leaves
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for sauteeing
Instructions
- Arrange the slices of watermelon on a large dish.
- Wash and dry the mint leaves, then mince them finely with a knife.
- In a bowl, mix the honey, vinegar, and chopped mint. Stir vigorously until well combined.
- Spread the marinade evenly over the watermelon slices, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated watermelon slices to the skillet and saute for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are slightly caramelized and heated through.
- Season with a pinch of salt to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use a ripe watermelon to enhance the sweetness. The mint flavor will mellow during cooking, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount. This dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled beer. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Try another great Spanish recipe – Padron Peppers – here. 
