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    Home » Recipes » Curry

    Watermelon Rind Curry

    Published: July 6, 2020 · Modified: August 27, 2020 by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 18 Comments

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    Watermelon rind curry or watermelon rind sabzi with detailed step-by-step photos and video.

    With the summer season coming at us in full swing, this is the best time to get the juiciest and sweetest melons. But instead of throwing away all the rind, there are some interesting ways to capture the nutrients that go with them. 

    A bowl of food with rice and vegetables, with Curry and Watermelon this recipe
    Jump to:
    • Step by step method
    • How to serve this curry
    • Top tips
    • 📖 Recipe

    I am excited to share a delicious recipe from something that is normally thrown away...Watermelon rind! But this isn’t as uncommon as you think, but definitely a seasonal thing.

    The most common recipes with Watermelon rind are for pickles and jams, but here’s an Indian take to it. I tried making ‘curry’ and it turned out way better than I expected. More so because I was not quite sure about how long to cook it and how well it absorbs the curry flavor.

    But my hopes were all revived when the recipe became an instant hit with my family! What a great way to cut back on food waste and also add fiber and a ton of nutrients to your plate at the same time!

    Watermelon rind is a great source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B-6, and citrulline which is great for heart health. All the more reason to use the rind instead of tossing it.

    Watermelon rind has a crisp texture, almost like cucumber, and holds up well to heat which makes it great for cooking. The green part of the rind however is not edible and should be peeled off or cut off. As you try this recipe, it is important that you remove all the juicy red fruit to make sure the curry does not end up being too sweet. 

    That brings up the question of how spicy it needs to be. I used my homemade curry powder, turmeric, and garam masala to spice it. If your melon is really sweet, you could also add a little bit of red chili spice it up further. The most important thing is to allow the melon to cook while it also absorbs the flavors. 

    Step by step method

    Start by removing the green skin from the rind with a peeler or knife.

    Watermelon rind is on the table

    Then chop them into small cubes.

    A bowl of watermelon rind on a plate

    Place a cast-iron skillet on medium heat and drizzle a few teaspoons on oil. 

    A close up of a cast iron pan on a stove, with oil and spices

    As the oil heats up, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.

    When the spices start to sizzle, add chopped onions. 

    A pan filled with food, with Curry and Watermelon

    Saute the onions until they are translucent and then add cubed watermelon rinds. Stir well. 

    A pan filled with food, with Curry and Melon

    Now add the turmeric powder, sambar/curry powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Continue to stir well. 

    A pan filled with food, with Curry and Watermelon

    Cover with lid until the watermelon rind is cooked. (Takes 10-12 mins)

    A pan closed with its lid

    Turn off the heat when the rind appears soft and cooked. That’s it! Serve it hot as a pair for steamed rice or chapati! 

    A pan filled with food, with Curry

    How to serve this curry

    We enjoyed this watermelon rind curry recipe as a pair with steamed rice. But the dish is equally good with plain quinoa, brown rice, or roti (chapati). It is best served hot but also good if you save some leftovers in the refrigerator. 

    Top tips

    • Add any type of spice that you prefer like coriander or cumin powder.
    • Peel the green skin and use the only white part of the rind.  
    • I used a cast-iron skillet to make this curry. This will help in caramelizing the melons and make the curry taste better. 
    • Do not add any water as you prepare this curry. The rind itself leaves out water just as you add salt.

    I hope you try this recipe before the summer season winds up. The best-tasting melons show up early in the summer, so try it today and share your experience! Now my kids are surprised at how many good things come out of a watermelon and I am sure your family will have a pleasant surprise waiting for them! 

    If this recipe interests you, look for similar recipes in my blog such as the beetroot curry, bitter gourd curry, pineapple curry. 

    Here are a few more recipes that you might like...

    Sambar Powder, Sweet Corn Curry, Jeera Rice, Okra curry

    Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.

    If you’ve tried this recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! Follow me on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of food on a table, with Curry and Watermelon

    Watermelon Rind Curry

    Uma Raghupathi
    We enjoyed this watermelon rind curry as a pair with steamed rice. But the dish is equally good with plain quinoa, brown rice, or roti (chapati).
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time:15 mins
    Cook Time:20 mins
    Total Time:35 mins
    Course :Side Dish
    Cuisine :Indian
    Diet :Vegan
    Allergen :Dairy free, Peanut free, Soy free
    Difficulty :Easy
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 65 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups cubed watermelon rind - after green-skinned
    • 1 large onion
    • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
    • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 3 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 3 teaspoon sambar/curry powder
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon Garam masala
    • Salt to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Start by removing the green skin from the rind with a peeler or knife. Then chop them into small cubes.
    • Place a cast-iron skillet on medium heat and drizzle a few teaspoons on oil.
    • As the oil heats up, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
    • When the spices start to sizzle, add chopped onions.
    • Saute the onions until they are translucent and then add cubed watermelon rinds. Stir well.
    • Now add the turmeric powder, sambar/curry powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Continue to stir well.
    • Cover with lid until the watermelon rind is cooked. (Takes 8- 10 mins)
    • That’s it! Watermelon rind curry is ready! Serve it hot or warm as a pair for steamed rice or chapati.

    Video

    Notes

    The nutrition values I show here are my best estimates. Please be sure to check your preferred nutrition calculator, if you are relying on accurate calculations in your diet.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Garlan

      July 21, 2021 at 7:42 am

      This is my go-to recipe for when I buy a whole watermelon– it's so refreshing and I really enjoy it alongside rice! I'm so glad to be able to turn the rinds into delicious and nutritious food now. I've even left the watermelon skin on sometimes when I'm in a hurry and I still enjoy it, just adds some extra crunch and fiber if you're up for the texture. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        July 21, 2021 at 4:49 pm

        Thank you so much, Garlan.

        Reply
    2. Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey

      July 18, 2020 at 7:33 am

      Such a delicious way to use watermelon rinds. This curry is easy, delicious and perfect without using many spices.

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        July 18, 2020 at 2:16 pm

        Thank you Jagruti!

        Reply
    3. Padma Veeranki

      July 17, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      Best way to use watermelon rind.....The curry looks super delicious with simple spices!! Amazing share!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        July 17, 2020 at 11:18 pm

        Thank you Padma 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sapana and Gautam Beh

      July 17, 2020 at 10:08 pm

      I once made this watermelon rind curry and we all loved it.Will try to make your version the next time I get watermelons.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Jolly

      July 17, 2020 at 2:49 am

      Having recently discovered the rind can be used as well from the watermelon & making such lovely recipes from it. This looks a great recipe for using the watermelon rind and a great option for vegan as well.. Beautiful share!

      Reply
    6. Geetanjali Tung

      July 16, 2020 at 11:58 am

      The curry looks and sounds amazing to me! What an innovative dish! This post is really tempting me to try this sometime. Thanks for sharing!5 stars

      Reply
    7. Mayuri Patel

      July 16, 2020 at 11:52 am

      Uma I just made watermelon rind curry and dry version just for today's lunch. Its such an easy and delicious sabji. What I like is since the rind has no flavour of its own, one can add any spices and herbs to make it flavorful.5 stars

      Reply
    8. Vandana

      July 16, 2020 at 9:33 am

      Very interesting recipe. Never thought that even watermelon rind could be used in cooking but the curry looks really tempting. I will try it, thanks for sharing.5 stars

      Reply
    9. Lathiya

      July 15, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      I love watermelon but never thought of using its rind. This is a genious way to use watermelon rind. The curry looks delicious.5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        July 15, 2020 at 10:48 pm

        Thank you Lathiya:)

        Reply
    10. Sandhya Nadkarni

      July 15, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      I like the flavor combination of this subji, Uma! i will try this next time i get a watermelon. Fabulous share!5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        July 15, 2020 at 10:47 pm

        Thank you Sandhya!

        Reply
    11. Lata Lala

      July 15, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      What we think is waste, you have converted it into simple yet delicious sabzi. With use of basic simple spices it has come out well.5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        July 15, 2020 at 2:06 pm

        Thank you Lata! Hope you will try this soon.

        Reply
    12. Bless my food by Payal

      July 15, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      I have made Tutti Fruity with watermelon Rind and was looking for more recipes with the same. Thank you for sharing it. This looks absolutely delicious5 stars

      Reply

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