Name: Sumac Watermelon Fries with Coconut Yogurt Crema
Prep time: 15 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 seedless watermelon (cut into 1/4" thick strips around 2-3 inches long); 1 1/2 cups coconut yogurt; juice of 1 lime; sumac; sea salt flakes; lime zest

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Whether you’re lounging by the pool or entertaining in the backyard these Sumac Watermelon Fries with Coconut Yogurt Crema are the perfect summertime snack. Zesty, cooling, hydrating and vegan ALL your guests will be smiling when you offer them this delicious treat.

If you’ve seen my post 31 Sumac Recipes for Any Time of Day, you know I’m crazy for sumac and the popularity of that post proves that I’m not alone. Not by a long shot. So here’s another recipe using this zesty spice. Time to move that jar of sumac to the front of the spice cupboard again!

These Sumac Watermelon Fries are designed to elevate your poolside snacking with practically zero effort because, let’s face it, summer is all about maximum living at a leisurely pace. Summer is also about impromptu invitations and playdates that stretch into sleepovers that stretch into multiple-family brunches the next day. Having a few easy and interesting snack ideas up your sleeve can help you roll with whatever the evolving situation demands, no matter how many hungry mouths it involves.

Watermelon is about to become ubiquitous. We have one on standby pretty much all summer because they can feed a LOT of people and don’t go bad easily. Watermelon on its own is always a hit. But we’re here to take things up a notch, remember?

Sprinkling sumac on watermelon adds a citrusy tang and a savory hint that makes those taste buds perk up and say, “Wow. I wasn’t expecting that from watermelon!” I like to bump things up even further by finishing it with some sea salt flakes.

What you may not always have on hand is coconut yogurt, especially if you’re not vegan. But once you taste this crema THAT WILL CHANGE. It is so creamy and delicious and naturally sweet. Temper the yogurt with some lime juice and zest on top and you have a dip those watermelon fries were born to be paired with.

There’s nothing not to love here. So go grab your swimsuit and sunblock and enjoy these long, unstructured days with as many friends and family as you can fit on your deck. Or patio. Rooftop. Or even your fire escape. Wherever you may congregate, don’t be surprised if yours suddenly becomes the place to be. The combo of these watermelon fries and your easy, breezy hostess attitude is basically a magnet.