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Kimchi-Melon Gazpacho

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Photo by Emma Fishman, food styling by Kat Boystova, Prop Styling by Allie Wist

In high summer, when the New York City humidity feels oozy, like melted cheese on a patty, it’s icy jugs of this gazpacho that I crave. Spicy. Savory. Sweet. It’s all that and then some! Peak season melon, not unlike good tomatoes—juicy and tasting of the sun—is a logical supplement. Kimchi, full of sharp aromatics and a mild fizz, prevents the gazpacho from being too sweet. If you’re lucky enough to score some oi (cucumber) kimchi, sub that for the Napa cabbage. Cashews add a silky heft to the gazpacho with none of the stodginess that bread can sometimes bring. Cold mutes flavor, so season the gazpacho before chilling until it has the pucker of a salt and vinegar chip.—Shilpa Uskokovic

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What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. ripe red tomatoes, preferably heirloom or beefsteak, coarsely chopped
1 lb. cantaloupe or watermelon, rind and seeds removed, flesh coarsely chopped
1 cup Napa cabbage kimchi, plus more chopped for serving
¼ cup salted roasted cashews
1 medium Persian cucumber, coarsely chopped, plus more finely chopped for serving
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
3 Tbsp. (or more) red wine vinegar
Sliced scallions and toasted sesame seed oil (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toss tomatoes, cantaloupe, kimchi, cashews, 1 cucumber, and 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a large bowl to combine. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour to let flavors meld and for salt to draw out moisture from the vegetables.

    Step 2

    Transfer tomato mixture along with any liquid to a blender. Purée on medium-high speed until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; add vinegar and chill until very cold, at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.

    Step 3

    Taste gazpacho just before serving and season with more vinegar and/or salt if needed. Divide among bowls or glasses; top with scallions, chopped kimchi, and finely chopped cucumber and drizzle a little oil over.

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