WATERMELON GAZPACHO WITH FETA CREMA

Watermelon Gazpacho with Feta Crema image

Provided by Susan Spungen

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Gazpacho:
1 pound seedless watermelon, rind removed, coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
1 large beefsteak tomato, coarsely chopped
1 English hothouse cucumber, peeled, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeds removed, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
Crema and assembly:
1/4 cup almonds
2 ounces feta, preferably French sheep's milk, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons whole milk
3/4 pound seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1/2" pieces (about 2 cups)
1/2 English hothouse cucumber, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
Olive oil (for serving)
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Gazpacho:
Purée watermelon, tomato, cucumber, jalapeño, oil, and vinegar in a blender until smooth.
Transfer gazpacho to a large bowl; season with kosher salt and pepper. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Do ahead: Gazpacho can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Crema and assembly:
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. (Alternatively, you can do this step in a dry small skillet over medium heat.) Let almonds cool, then coarsely chop.
Mash feta into sour cream in a small bowl until mostly smooth, then whisk in milk.
Divide watermelon and cucumber among bowls and pour gazpacho over. Top with crema and almonds, drizzle with oil, and season with sea salt and pepper.
Do ahead: Crema can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.