Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?
Apologies for the week-long absence. Food Stories HQ is currently stricken with sickness. This, added to the looming deadline for my masters dissertation and the full-time job thing, well, you could say I’m a bit strapped for time. Anyway, mini-moan over. Let’s talk about the food. Sometimes, I feel like other bloggers and I are completely on the same wavelength. Of course, those of us in the same or closely related parts of the world will be eating similar ingredients due to the changing seasons or current trends. Occasionally though, we find ourselves on the same little foodie quests and journeys.
Right now, my doppelgänger is Allen from Eating out Loud. For my blogiversary, I did a week of posting every day, a mini NaBloPoMo if you will. Last week, Allen did the same – no blogiversary, just some great recipes. I am also currently on a quest to reduce the amount of fat in my diet and explore nutritious alternatives and guess what? Allen’s been on that quest for a while now. In fact, I made his Polenta Tart Crust recently, a wonderfully creative way to avoid the health hazards of eating pastry too often. This past week, Allen has been exploring the joys of watermelon and guess what I can’t get out of my head?
When he posted a recipe for watermelon and feta salad, I commented that this was one of my all-time favourites because well, it is. I’ve added and taken away over the years but here is my current version. I usually make this salad with toasted pumpkin seeds; in fact, it was one of Food Stories’ first ever posts. I didn’t have any today however, so I added poppy seeds – my new food fad favourite.
They also go fantastically well with cucumber, a la Ottolenghi. If you’re not used to eating watermelon with savoury ingredients – I promise, you won’t be disappointed. The combo of salty feta, olives and juicy fruit is a life changer. A touch of mint and a squeeze of lime juice lifts the whole thing nicely. I usually get a slightly puzzled look followed by some oohing and ahhing, munching, sigh of pleasure, that kind of thing…
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Poppy Seeds
1 fat wedge of watermelon, de-seeded and cut into chunks
150g feta cheese, crumbled
1 small red onion, finely sliced
Kalamata olives (10 or so)
Half a cucumber, de-seeded and cut into slices
Small handful mint leaves, finely sliced
Half the amount of parsley, leaves picked and roughly chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
Black pepper
Poppy seeds (about a tablespoon)
- If you have a whole watermelon and you need to dissect it, check this out. Cut the wedge into chunks and add to a bowl with the onion, olives, herbs, cheese and cucumber.
- Whisk the lime juice and olive oil together with the poppy seeds and some black pepper and add to the salad. Stir to combine and serve.
Category: Fruit, Gluten-free, Healthy, Salads, Side Dishes, Starters, Vegetables 27 comments »
August 11th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Looks awesome! Well you know what they always say – Great Minds think alike!
I have been wanting to try this salad myself – it sounds so interesting!
August 11th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’ve been digging Allen’s creations, too. They are just amazing, especially all the watermelon recipes he has been posting. Hmm yeah!
Bens last blog post..Grape and Zucchini Gazpacho
August 11th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I would term this the “more advanced watermelon and feta salad” Helen. I really love all the additional ingredients and especially the poppy seeds.
Peter Gs last blog post..I Love Lamb
August 11th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Such delicious-ness Helen. I’ve long been a fan of the watermelon and fetta combination, but like all your additional ingredients. Once the weather gets a bit warmer over here, I’ll be trying this one out.
And I know mean about being on simultaneous foodie quests. Last month I was writing about reducing food costs and cooking from the cupboards, and found several other bloggers were doing the same thing – unprompted. It’s interesting how we get similar thoughts in our heads.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:56 am
You’ve convinced me to try this. I’ve never had watermelon in any savory dish, but I’m sure it’s awesome. And, the poppy seeds look great.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:19 am
I’ve been loving Allen’s watermelon creations too. This salad is fantastic – sweet and salty flavours gives you the best of both worlds and no need for dessert! Fabulous.
No watermelons around in Sydney now, but in a few months this will be divine. Poppy seeds make is kinda posh too – well done!
Christie @ fig&cherrys last blog post..Review: Dish Restaurant & Raw Bar
August 12th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I’ve been meaning to try watermelon and feta for a while now, and cucumber and olives seem the ideal additions. Now, to find me a watermelon…
Lizzies last blog post..Har Gau – Prawn Dumplings
August 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Jenn – Do try it, I think you will really like it. It seems your kind of thing.
Ben – I couldn’t agree more!
Peter G – Well I am flattered to have created something ‘advanced’! There’s a first time for everything…
Kathryn – yes, I read your posts. I’m really enjoying the ‘31′ days series too, keep up the good work.
Cookinpanda – aha! Another convert.
Christie – Oh yes! I suppose you are all eating risotto and stews then? Thanks for the ‘posh’ comment too, hee hee!
Lizzie – Aren’t you near Lewisham market? I bet they have loads. Just don’t do what i did and buy a massive one then find its too heavy when you get halfway home… You know that none of those grumpy Londoners will help you….
August 12th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
i so very much love this. and i have done this type of salad many types over. what i have NOT done is add poppy seeds. and i absolutely love the idea
August 12th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Juggling a job and a dissertation; me too. I feel your pain, lol.
Great recipe though. It makes a change to see Poppy seeds outside of a lemon muffin.
Graemes last blog post..Ultrasonic Mushrooms.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
What a great combination for a salad!
Hope you are feeling better now.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I’m flattered to be your doppelgänger
My family is originally from England so maybe we’re just long lost cousins!
At any rate, your watermelon salad is above and beyond any other I’ve seen. The poppy seeds, cucumber and olives are all brilliant additions. I could go for a big plate of it right now.
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Allens last blog post..Creme Brulee Oatmeal: Brunch or Dessert?
August 13th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Not a big watermelon fan… but I am loving the idea of this salad! Weird!
kitties last blog post..Spicy Trout… Waste Not, Want More!
August 13th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Never have tried watermelon in a savory dish… but we just picked up a Thai watermelon yesterday so guess what’s on the menu tonight?! Thanks for another great inspiration. Good luck on your dissertation… with all this great brain food, should be a snap! ; )
August 13th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Wow, this looks amazing. I love a good salad like this. It’s much more substantial than just lettuce.
noble pigs last blog post..Another Giveaway!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I can’t wait to try this. I have all the ingredients at home. I love summer!
Marias last blog post..
August 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
What a gorgeous salad Helen. I can almost taste it as I look through the photos. The poppy seeds make the salad even prettier
August 14th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
That looks great, and really refreshing!
jessys last blog post..Onion dill bread
August 14th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
While I’ll skip the poppy seeds, I’m definitely going to give this salad a try.
Cynthias last blog post..A Coconuty Corn
August 15th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Watermelon, feta and poppy seeds – not a combo I would have thought of, but boy does it sound tempting! Perfect for a summer bbq or just a refreshing meal, I imagine.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
That’s very nice! And GOOD LUCK in your dissertation!!!!
Dazianos last blog post..Ricotta blueberry muffins
August 15th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
loving these wonderful lite salads! salty and sweet – perfect combo!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:24 am
I make no claims to think along the same lines as you because i have always had a bit of an aversion to watermelon – sometimes I can overcome it these days but in salad just seems a bit of a challenge for me (though not as much as watermelon curry that someone mentioned to me recently). Although your salad does look spectacular!
However I have been taken by your search for healthy pastry – it has reminded me of a low fat pastry a former housemate used to make and I have now made it and posted it on my blog this week – am not sure if it is the sort of pastry you are after as it is more chewy than melty but I do find it quite pleasing.
Johannas last blog post..Easy as Vegetable Pie
August 16th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Wow, what gorgeous deliciousness! I must make this!
August 19th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Do you know… I picked up a small watermelon on the weekend specifically with the idea of making some sort of watermelon and feta salad!! Clearly there’s something in the air…
Stunning photos and the flavours seem so fresh – yum!
Jeannes last blog post..Broad bean, bacon and mushroom pasta
August 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I’d only come to appreciate savory uses of watermelon this season, and I’m glad I did. This salad looks beautiful, and I’m sure it tastes as good as it looks!
Mikes last blog post..Indian Pizza
August 13th, 2009 at 3:34 am
I realize this is a response to a relatively old post. However, I wanted to let you know that I was inspired to make this salad when you first posted it and it was delicious! It is now a year later and I have made it again. Again, it was just delicious and as curiously addictive as the first time I made it. Pure alchemy!