Delicious Iced Winter Melon with Wine Recipe
As summer slowly fades away, we prepare ourselves for the cold breeze of winter. And in these bitter moments, a warm hug in the form of comfort food is what we crave. Introducing the iced winter melon with wine recipe – an ideal dish that best suits those who are yearning for a quick pick-me-up.
This recipe is not just any regular cold drink as it combines the taste of sweet and refreshing melon with the revitalizing effects of wine. Imagine savoring each cup, feeling the juice trickling down your throat while sipping on a glass of red or white wine – this could very well be your perfect solution to beat the chilly blues!
But enough talk, let’s get started on the recipe! It’s easy to follow, packed with health benefits, and perfect for your next winter gathering. So, dust off your cooking tools and make an iced winter melon with wine to experience both cold and warmth in one sip!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This iced winter melon with wine recipe is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting. Winter melon is a unique and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, ranging from cold soup recipes to meatball soup and stir-fry. In this recipe, the winter melon’s mild flavor perfectly pairs with the bold flavors of wine, creating a refreshing and delicious drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you’re a fan of wine, you’ll love this recipe because it allows you to enjoy your favorite drink in a new and exciting way. The combination of port wine, marsala, sherry wine or red wine with winter melon creates a unique blend of flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. The sweetness of the honeydew melon or cantaloupe, paired with the richness of the wine creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy.
If you’re not a fan of wine, don’t worry – this recipe might be just what you need to change your mind. The sweetness of the winter melon perfectly balances out the bold flavors of the wine. A drizzle of honey will enhance the mellowness of this drink making it even more enjoyable.
This recipe is also perfect for those who are looking for a refreshing and healthy drink. The winter melon is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to your diet.
Overall, this iced winter melon with wine recipe is something you won’t want to miss out on. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or a warm hug during the winter season.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this iced winter melon with wine recipe:
- 1 small winter melon (about 1.5 kg)
- 1/4 cantaloupe
- 1/4 honeydew melon
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 tbsp whole dried wintermelon syrup (optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup port wine (or red wine of your choice)
- 1/2 cup ice wine (or other sweet dessert wine)
- Juice from 1 lime
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have discussed the ingredients needed for our Iced Winter Melon and Wine Recipe, it’s time to delve into the recipe itself.
Step 1: Start by creating the wintermelon syrup. In a pot, mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of cold water, and 4 cups of wintermelon flesh. Bring to a boil then lower heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool before straining out any remaining solids.
Step 2: Take three cups of the wintermelon syrup you created and pour it into a blender. Add 1/4 cup of lime juice, 1/4 cup of rice wine, and blend until everything is mixed together perfectly.
Step 3: Dilute the mixture with cold water until you have four cups. Pour mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
Step 4: Once your wine cubes are frozen solid, take them out and blend them in a mixer until they become smooth slush.
Step 5: Last but not least, add any type of wine you like (such as port wine, sherry wine, or marsala) into your blender with your slushy mix until it’s perfectly combined.
And there you have it – our Iced Winter Melon with Wine Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this iced winter melon with wine recipe is that it can be easily customized to your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to try:
– Wine: Don’t have port wine, sherry wine, or marsala on hand? You can use other types of wine such as red wine, white wine, or ice wine. Just make sure the wine you use has a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
– Melon: Winter melon is the star of this dish, but you can also use cantaloupe or honeydew melon if you can’t find winter melon at your local market. Just adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of the melon you are using.
– Sweetener: If you prefer not to use sugar, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
– Lime juice: Fresh lemon juice is a good substitute for lime juice if you don’t have any limes on hand.
– Spices: You can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the recipe for extra flavor.
– Serving: Instead of serving this dessert in a bowl, you can serve it in a cocktail glass or a mason jar with layers of melon flesh and syrup.
No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, it will still taste delicious and refreshing – perfect for hot summer days or as a unique appetizer for your next dinner party.
Serving and Pairing
The iced winter melon with wine recipe is a perfect summer beverage or refreshing dessert. Its light and sweet flavor is best paired with the richness of a hearty meal.
When it comes to pairing this dish, you can choose from a variety of wines such as port wine, marsala, or sherry wine that complement the sweetness of the dish. Red wines like Merlot and Cabernet Franc could also work well because they have a bolder flavor that stands up to the sweet melon taste.
This iced winter melon with wine recipe goes well with poultry dishes, particularly chicken stew or braised winter melon. The sweetness from the melon tea can balance out the savory taste of the meat. Another great pairing for this dish is stir-fry or meatball soup, which adds a bit of protein to your meal while complementing the flavors of your cold soup perfectly.
If you’re looking for something lighter, fruit salad is an excellent option as it has many flavors and textures that complement each other deliciously. You can also pair this dish with cantaloupe or honeydew melon, which are similar in taste and have similar health benefits.
In conclusion, this iced winter melon with wine recipe provides a unique and refreshing twist on traditional summer drinks or desserts. It pairs perfectly with rich dishes or salads alike, making it an excellent addition to any meal plan or special occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re hosting a gathering, this Iced Winter Melon with Wine Recipe is the perfect make-ahead dessert that you can prepare in advance. The winter melon syrup and melon puree can be made a day before, stored separately in air-tight containers in the fridge, and then mixed just before serving.
When storing the leftover mixture, make sure to pour it into an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for no more than 2 days, as the flavour may start to lose its intensity over time. You could also freeze any leftovers and it should keep well for up to a month.
To reheat, simply remove from the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator 8 hours before serving. Once thawed, mix well and pour over ice. Alternatively, you could put it in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar crystals have melted.
This dish is so versatile that you can also use the syrup in tea or as a sweetener for your meatball soup or Chinese stir fry. You could even use it to make Wintermelon milk tea or bubble tea.
After all, who wouldn’t want a warm hug on a cold winter night or a refreshing cold soup on a hot summer day!
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best possible flavor and texture from this iced winter melon with wine recipe, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to use a high-quality wine that pairs well with the sweet, refreshing taste of the melon. I recommend using a sweet port wine, marsala or sherry wine for the best results.
Additionally, it’s important to select a ripe winter melon (also known as ash gourd) that is firm and heavy for its size. The flesh should be white and not too watery. If you’re unable to find winter melon, cantaloupe or honeydew melon can also be used as substitutes.
When preparing the melon, remove the seeds before blending or pureeing for a smoother texture. You can also strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if desired.
Finally, keep in mind that the flavors of this dish will intensify over time. Allow the mixture to chill for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together. And for an even stronger wine flavor, you can add an extra splash of your chosen wine just before serving.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a perfectly balanced and refreshing dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the iced winter melon with wine recipe is an absolute treat for your taste buds. The refreshing and unique blend of winter melon and wine creates a flavor profile that is both light and indulgent. This recipe is easy to make and versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations to cater to your preferences. Moreover, it can be served as a dessert or a cold soup dish, making it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to incorporate winter melons into your diet or simply wanting to try something new, this recipe is definitely worth trying. The combination of port wine, lime juice, honeydew melon, and winter melon creates an unforgettable taste that will have you coming back for more.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also healthy. Winter melons are loaded with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Plus, the wine contains antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits.
Overall, I highly recommend trying the iced winter melon with wine recipe. It’s easy to make, healthy, and delicious – what more could you want? So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Iced Winter Melon with Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1 medium honeydew melon or 1 medium cantaloupe (if you prefer)
- 1 1 cup sherry wine or 1 cup marsala
Instructions
- Cut a triangle in the stem end of the melon and remove seeds with a spoon.
- Fill with wine, replace triangle and refrigerate 3 hours, taking care that the wine doesn't spill out.
- To serve, drain wine, cut melon into quarters (the long way), place a melon wedge on each plate and pour a bit more wine into the hollow of the melon (where the seeds were).
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found