Summer is the perfect time to indulge in some icy treats to beat the heat.
And what better way to cool down than with a delicious watermelon and mint granita with a ginger swirl! This refreshing dessert is not only easy to make, but it’s also healthy and low in calories. So, let’s get started.
: Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon chunks, seeds removed
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup ginger syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger root, grated
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
: Instructions
Step 1: In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks, honey, and chopped mint leaves until smooth.
Step 2: Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze for 1 hour.
Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the ginger syrup by simmering 1/2 cup of water, grated ginger, and honey in a saucepan until reduced to 1/4 cup. Allow to cool completely.
Step 4: Once the watermelon mixture has frozen for an hour, scrape the surface with a fork to create icy flakes. Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes until you have fluffy ice crystals.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the ginger syrup and lemon juice.
Step 6: To serve, spoon the watermelon granita into serving dishes and top with a swirl of ginger syrup.
: Variations
Here are a few ways you can customize your watermelon and mint granita to suit your taste:.
- Add a splash of vodka or rum to the granita for a boozy twist.
- Add diced fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to the granita for added texture and flavor.
- Swap out the ginger syrup for caramel or chocolate syrup for a decadent dessert.
: Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect watermelon and mint granita:.
- Make sure you remove all the seeds from the watermelon before blending.
- To save time, you can make the ginger syrup in advance and store it in the fridge until it’s time to use.
- For a smoother texture, strain the watermelon mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before freezing.
- If you don’t have fresh mint leaves, you can use 1 tsp of dried mint instead.
: Final Thoughts
Watermelon and mint granita with a ginger swirl is a perfect summer dessert that will impress your guests. It’s easily customizable, healthy, and refreshing.
So, what are you waiting for? Try making this recipe today and let us know how it turns out.