Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
150 | 3.5g | 1g | 25g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
22g | 1.5g | 14g | 1.75g |
There’s something so beautifully simple yet exquisitely irresistible about this Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe recipe that makes my heart flutter every time I prepare it. The fusion of soft, sweet ripened cantaloupe swirling on your palate, contrasted with the salty, crisp bite of prosciutto, creates a delightful sensory journey. As the play of flavors unfurls, the sweet notes of honey and a tinge of fresh lemon juice add an tantalizing crown to this culinary masterpiece. This dish is an ode to my Southern roots, with a dash of Eastern seaboard sophistication, akin to the perfect wave I seek when I hit the surf at Charleston’s rugged coast.
The Beauty of simplicity, in a bite
When it comes to summer afternoon refreshment or an elegant party appetizer, our Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe captures the essence of simplicity married to sophistication. Bits of fresh cracked pepper add a subtle heat to the sweet-salty medley, and a scatter of fresh mint leaves brings a breath of coolness, much like a cool mountain breeze breaking the summer heat of South Carolina.
A Testament to Healthy Indulgence
There’s a reason why I subtly lean towards dishes that not only appease my soul but also look after my wellbeing. The goodness of cantaloupe combined with the rich protein of prosciutto does just that. Cantaloupe, loaded with vitamins A and C, is known to boost immunity and skin health [source: Medical News Today]. And let’s not forget, prosciutto, a lean source of protein, aiding in muscle maintenance and satiety [source: Healthline].
Inspired by classic Southern dishes and more contemporary creations alike, this recipe resembles the iconic melon and prosciutto skewers and, with its refreshing qualities, could comfortably pair with a range of pasta, seafood, or grilled dishes. Consider it next to something like a grilled shrimp dish or a classic Southern black-eyed pea salad. There’s no limit to this recipe’s versatility, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium cantaloupe
- 12 thin slices of prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your cantaloupe. Cut it in half and remove all the seeds. Then, slice each half of the cantaloupe into 6 equal parts, eventually leaving you with 12 slices of cantaloupe. You should then cut the skin off each slice.
Step Two
Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around a slice of cantaloupe. Repeat this process for each cantaloupe slice so you have 12 prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe pieces. To make sure the prosciutto stays wrapped, you can use a toothpick to secure it.
Step Three
Now it’s time to make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the honey and lemon juice and mix until they’re fully integrated.
Step Four
Drizzle the honey and lemon mixture over the prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe. Make sure each piece gets a good coating of the mixture.
Step Five
After you’ve poured the sauce, crack fresh pepper over the dish to taste. This will give it an extra kick. Freshly cracked pepper is best as pre-cracked pepper can have less flavor.
Step Six
Finally, garnish the dish with fresh mint leaves. Not only will this add some color to your dish, but it also provides a nice contrasting flavor. Your Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe is now ready to serve and enjoy.