Art of Cooking: Vegan Spicy Watermelon Soaked Peppers
If you want to make healthy, totally vegan dish that is both sweet and spicy, try making spicy watermelon soaked peppers. It’s simple to make, ultra tasty and it can be used as a side-dish, snack, salad dressing or marinade.
What You’ll Need:
- Watermelon (ripened – preferably almost to the point of spoiling, as needed)
- Fresh Lemons (as needed)
- Lemon Juice (as needed)
- Red Bell Pepper (1-2)
- Yellow Bell Peppers (1 -2)
- Green Bell Peppers (1-2)
- Jalapeno (1)
- Green Chile (1)
- Spices: Dried Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano
- Container with sealable top or plastic ziplock bag
- Strainer
- Vegetable Oil (optional)
The serving size I created was for one person, so measure your amount accordingly. Slice your bell peppers into thin strips and place to the side. Cut 1/2 to 1 jalapeno in slices and place to the side in a separate dish.
Slice your watermelon into chunks or slices – you wont be using the flesh of the watermelon, the reason we want to use a very ripe watermelon, almost the point of spoiling because it begins to have a vinegary taste while still maintaining a mild sweetness. You want to either squeeze your watermelon by hand or use a juicer.
I suggest by hand. The amount of watermelon should be about a 1/4 to a 1/2 of the amount of lemon juice you decide to use. Remember your peppers will be soaking in the juice and the juice is meant to be eaten with them or can be used as marinade or salad dressing. Squeeze your watermelon into a bowl, then strain the juice. You want as little pulp or flesh of the fruit in the juice.
Once you have your watermelon juice, you can add either freshly squeezed lemons or lemon juice to it. Be sure there is more lemon juice than watermelon. Give it a taste, if the lemon is too overpowering, add more watermelon or vice versa. Add the combined juice to your container or ziplock bag.
Add your bell peppers. Be sure they are completely submerged in the juice. You can add vegetable oil to the mixture for a thicker consistency, if you choose. Add your spices and your jalapeno slices. The amount of jalapeno slices you use determines how spicy it will taste. I recommend adding jalapenos as the peppers soak and giving it a taste test. As for the green chile pepper, dice just a few pieces and add to the dish. Besides adding to the spice, it also adds a different element of taste.
Allow your peppers to soak in a sealed bag or container for 10 to 20 minutes, then use as you wish! It’s delicious, healthy and can be used alone or for a variety of dishes.