Melon and almond gazpacho
A chilled melon gazpacho with ground almonds, which give it body and make it more nourishing than a regular gazpacho. It is sipped, helps with hydration and goes down easily, which is just what you need when chewing is difficult or your mouth is dry.
At a glance
- Prep10 min
- Total10 min
- Servings2 servings
- DifficultyEasy
Allergens
- Tree nuts
Who this recipe is for
Chilled, liquid and nourishing: fits into the weekly menu for people with cancer when the mouth is dry or swallowing is difficult.
Ingredients
Quantities for 2 servings. Tick off what you already have.
Step by step
- Cut the melon into cubes and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour, so you do not need to use ice.
- Put the melon, ground almonds, chopped garlic if using, and mint leaves in a blender.
- Blend for one minute, until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the olive oil and pepper, then blend for another 20 seconds to combine.
- Serve chilled in a glass or bowl.
Adaptations
How to change it depending on the day. Each change keeps the dish, it does not replace it.
Nausea or sensitivity to smells
It needs no cooking and has very little smell: someone else can make it and leave it in the fridge for you.
Mouth sores or dry mouth
If you have mouth sores, avoid it on those days: acidic, spicy and raw foods can irritate them. Choose pumpkin soup or vegetable purée instead. If your mouth is dry but you have no sores, it may help when served cold and sipped.
Poor appetite
Increase the almonds to 60 g and sip it throughout the afternoon instead of drinking it all at once.
Diarrhoea
Leave it for later: it contains quite a lot of fibre. Fat-free stock and white rice may sit better.
What it provides
Melon provides water and fibre; ground almonds provide beneficial fats, plant protein and calcium. This liquid dish packs many nutrients into a small serving.
The dietitian's tip
If you tolerate strong flavours, garlic works well; leave it out if it bothers you. Cooking the garlic in a pan with a little oil first, without letting it burn, can make it easier to tolerate. Ground almonds avoid any bits and give the gazpacho a smoother texture.
It is part of the weekly menu for people with cancer. Also from the same menu: tomato gazpacho and broccoli and cheese soup.
What a recipe is not
This recipe fits into a plan; it does not replace one. It cures nothing and it is not calculated for one particular person: the quantities are indicative and will need adjusting to your case.
If you have a medical condition, take medication or follow a prescribed diet, check with your doctor or your dietitian before changing anything.
Where this recipe comes from
The main guide
Nutrition for people with cancer: what to eat during treatment
During treatment, the symptom you have each week decides what to adapt. Avoid blanket restrictions and ask for help if you lose…
The menu it belongs to
Weekly menu for people with cancer, with adaptations for symptoms
Planning the week helps when you do not know what you will feel like eating tomorrow. Having the menu in writing can…
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Would you like a plan made for you?
A recipe fits or does not fit depending on what is going on with you. In clinic we build the whole plan around what you eat, what you tolerate and what you fancy.