Watermelon is very healthy and one of the most hydrating foods since it has 92 percent water content. No wonder it is abundantly available in summer and can be enjoyed in a number of ways. While we usually cut it up and eat it, here is a simple way to make a drink out of it and enjoy its richness in a very chilled form.

So what we need here are watermelon pieces, with the seeds removed (which is hard work) and the pieces frozen to give a slush-like smoothie drink that is totally refreshing. Some lemon slices, no lemon juice, and chia seeds are added in the end to lift the nutrition level several notches, without changing the original taste. You can also add a pinch of black salt, if you desire.

And yes, I added a bit of the red sherbet to add more richness to the taste and it complements the flavour of watermelons.

So let’s get started.

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon pieces, seeded and frozen

• 2 tablespoons red sherbet

• 2 tablespoons Chia seeds or tukh malanga

• Lemon slices and watermelon pieces for topping

• Ice cubes

Method

Soak two tablespoons of chia seeds in a cup or bowl with about 1/4 cup of water. Leave it for at least 15 minutes so that they are well-soaked.

In a blender, add the watermelon slices with some ice cubes (about five to six, or as many as you want). Add the red sherbet. Blend and pour into two glasses. Add a couple of tablespoons of the soaked chia seeds in each glass and a couple of slices of lemon, and stir. Top with pieces of watermelon and serve immediately. You can add more ice cubes at this point if you want.

A very simple and refreshing drink that is perfect for the hot summer days of May.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 22nd, 2021