Print

Refreshing Watermelon Granita Recipe Easy Homemade Mint Lime Zest Dessert

watermelon granita - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, quick, and refreshing watermelon granita infused with fresh mint and lime zest, perfect for hot days and light desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 900 grams)
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • Zest of 1 large lime
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (30 ml)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, about 15 minutes.
  2. Cube about 6 cups of seedless watermelon, removing any seeds if needed.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon cubes, cooled simple syrup, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped mint leaves. Pulse until smooth and fragrant, about 1 minute. Scrape down sides if needed.
  4. Optional: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove pulp for a silky smooth texture.
  5. Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch shallow baking dish and place in the freezer uncovered.
  6. After about 45 minutes, use a fork to scrape and break up ice crystals around the edges. Repeat scraping every 30-45 minutes for 3-4 hours until the granita is fluffy and fully frozen.
  7. Serve scooped into chilled bowls or glasses, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a twist of lime zest if desired.

Notes

Scraping the granita every 30-45 minutes is essential to achieve the flaky, icy texture. Use ripe watermelon for best flavor and adjust sugar based on sweetness. Freezing in a metal pan chills faster than glass. For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a sieve. Variations include adding berries, jalapeño, or swapping mint with basil or cilantro.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon granita, mint lime dessert, refreshing summer dessert, easy granita recipe, frozen watermelon treat

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/refreshing-watermelon-granita-recipe-easy-homemade-mint-lime-zest-dessert/