Spicy Melon and Serrano Ham

Submitted by Chuck Hughes

"Recipe courtesy Chuck Hughes"

 

• Ready In: 16mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup white sugar
• 3 pieces lemon rind
• 1⁄4 seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed
• 1⁄2 cantaloupe, peeled and cubed
• 8 thin slices serrano ham
• 1 cup mixed good olive, preferably Manzanillas, Kalamatas or green garlic
• olive oil, for drizzling
• 1 dash coarse or kosher salt

directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, vinegar, water, sugar, and lemon rind. Set the pan over medium heat, and simmer for 3 minutes.
2. Cut the watermelon and cantaloupe into large cubes, and drop them into the pickling liquid. Let the melon pickle for about 1 minute to allow the exotic flavors to infuse the flesh lightly.

3. To serve:

4. Lay 2 slices of ham in the center of a serving plate and top with a nice mound of the pickled melons. Scatter some olives around the portion, drizzle with the olive oil, and a dash of coarse salt. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.