Granita is a Sicilian frozen dessert made from crushed ice and flavorful syrup. This watermelon-mint granita is bright, light, and perfect for hot summer days.
Making granita at home is simple and doesn’t require an ice cream machine. Think of it as a midway point between sorbet and shaved ice: fruit syrup mixed with water, frozen, then scraped periodically with a fork to form delicate flakes.
This watermelon-mint version turns the ice a lovely pink and adds a cooling hint of mint that complements the fruit. It’s naturally fat-free and low in calories, making it a great light dessert option.
You can make granita from nearly any fruit that can be turned into a syrup, and non-fruit flavors (like coffee) also work well. Serving styles vary by region: some present granita in a dish with almonds, others pair it with a brioche-like pastry, and some serve it in a cup with a straw.
No-Churn Watermelon-Mint Sorbet
12 half-cup servings
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 sprig mint
- 3 cups watermelon, cut into large chunks (about 1 lb)
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and heat over low until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the mint sprig, increase heat to bring the syrup to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to infuse the mint.
- Puree the watermelon in a blender (work in batches if needed). Press the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to extract the juice.
- Pour the cooled mint syrup through the sieve into the watermelon juice to capture any remaining solids.
- Strain the lime juice through the sieve into the mixture, discard solids, and stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×3 loaf pan and freeze for at least 4 hours. Every hour or so, scrape the forming ice with a fork to create light, flaky crystals if you prefer a more granular texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 0.5
Serving Size: cup
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 56
Sodium: 1mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 14g
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Disclaimer: Nutrition information was estimated with MyFitnessPal’s recipe calculator. For precise dietary guidance, consult a registered dietitian.
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