New Delhi: As temperatures continue to soar across several parts of India, chilled summer recipes are gaining popularity among health conscious food lovers. One such refreshing dish making waves online is Watermelon Tomato Cold Soup, a quick Spanish style gazpacho that can be prepared in just 10 minutes without any cooking.
Gazpacho is a traditional cold soup that originated in Spain and is widely consumed during summer because of its cooling and hydrating properties. The classic version is prepared using raw vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber, garlic and peppers, blended into a smooth chilled soup. Modern variations often include fruits like watermelon for added freshness and natural sweetness.
According to the recipe highlighted by Aaj Tak, the watermelon tomato version combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the tangy flavour of ripe tomatoes and the cooling effect of mint leaves. The dish is designed as a light summer meal that helps beat the heat while also providing hydration.
The preparation is simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. Fresh watermelon cubes, chopped tomatoes, mint leaves, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper and salt are blended together until smooth. The mixture is then chilled in a refrigerator before serving. Some versions of gazpacho also include cucumber, bell peppers and vinegar to enhance flavour and texture.
Food experts say watermelon is rich in water content and can help keep the body hydrated during extreme heat. Tomatoes, meanwhile, provide antioxidants such as lycopene and essential vitamins. Combined together, they create a nutritious and low calorie summer dish that can be served as an appetiser, snack or light meal.
The growing popularity of cold soups reflects changing food preferences during the summer season, with many people opting for quick, healthy and no cook recipes. Watermelon gazpacho has become a popular variation globally because it balances sweet and savoury flavours while offering a refreshing alternative to traditional soups.
With heatwave conditions affecting several regions, easy recipes like watermelon tomato cold soup are finding favour among home cooks looking for nutritious options that require minimal effort and help provide relief from rising temperatures.