This seemingly bizarre
combination of watermelon, feta and black olive came to my attention in Nigella’s
optimistically named ‘Forever Summer’. These three ingredients, together with
red onion, lime juice, parsley and mint all get along swimmingly with one another,
yet provide enough mouth watering contrasts of both flavour and texture to keep
it exciting. The crumbly and salty feta pairs wonderfully with the perfectly
pink watermelon flesh, which bursts with subtly sweet juices as it melts in
your mouth. Meanwhile, the sharpness of raw red onions that can often be too overpowering
are tamed sufficiently by the lime juice, leaving a delicate tang and a
satisfying crunch (it also tinges them a beautiful transparent pink colour).
You will need:
1 small red onion, sliced finely
2-4 limes, depending on juiciness
1.5 kg sweet, ripe watermelon
250g feta cheese
Bunch of fresh flat leaf parsley
Bunch of fresh mint, chopped
3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
100g pitted black olives
Black pepper
Serves 8
Steep the finely sliced red onion in a bowl with the lime
juice (don’t be stingy with the lime juice, the more the merrier). Remove the
rind and most of the pips (as many as you have patience for), and cut into
approximately 4cm triangular chunks. Cut the feta into similarly sized pieces and
put them both in a large, but shallow bowl.
Tear off sprigs of parsley and add to the bowl as well as the chopped
mint.
Tip the soaked onions, along with the newly pink stained juices over
the salad and add both the oil and the olives. Use your hands to gently toss
the salad (you will find the watermelon and feta will start to disintegrate
quickly if put under too much stress). Grind in black pepper to taste,
and add more lime if necessary.
If like me, you are completely enchanted with this salad, I
have no doubts that it will (as Nigella says), ‘become a regular feature of
your summer table". Enjoy!
Who knew watermelon and feta could be such good mates!?
