Melon Gazpacho August 19, 2015 by Jill Foucre Leave a Comment Melon Gazpacho 2015-08-19 14:32:19 Print Ingredients 2 cups fresh basil leaves 4 whole cloves 2 whole star anise 1 bay leaf 1/3 cup sugar ½ t. kosher salt 1 plum tomato, peeled, halved, seeds removed 3 cups 1” pieces chilled melon (about 1 pound) 2 cups 1” pieces chilled peeled cucumber ¼ cup fresh lime juice 1 red Thai chile or Serrano pepper, thinly sliced kosher salt & freshly ground pepper mint for garnish Instructions Bring basil leaves, cloves, star anise, bay leaf, sugar, salt and 1 ½ cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes; strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a medium size bowl. Set aside and cool completely. Puree basil syrup, tomato, melon, cucumber, lime juice, and chile in a blender until very smooth. Taste and adjust, re-seasoning as necessary. Divide gazpacho among bowls. Garnish with mint if desired. By Kelly Sears Marcel's Culinary Experience https://www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com/