Chilled Watermelon Mint Refresher Granita
Beat the heat with this exquisite Chilled Watermelon Mint Refresher Granita! This vibrant, icy treat combines the sweet juiciness of ripe watermelon with the fresh, aromatic essence of mint and a zing of lime, making it a perfect indulgence for those scorching summer days. Not only is it a delightful dessert, but it’s also a healthy snack option, packed with hydration and natural flavors. Enjoy this refreshing granita as a light dessert after dinner or as a revitalizing snack during the day. Prepare it ahead of time and impress your friends and family with this simple yet fancy frozen treat!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
fresh mint
to taste (stems on for simple syrup and leaves for garnish)
watermelon
1 medium (rind removed, cut into chunks)
lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and fresh mint leaves. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat and allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature. Strain the syrup to remove the mint leaves before proceeding.
2
While the syrup is cooling, carefully remove the rind from the watermelon and cut the fruit into manageable chunks.
3
In a blender, combine the watermelon chunks, lime juice, a handful of fresh mint leaves, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Transfer the blended mixture into a shallow baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly. Place the dish in the freezer and allow it to freeze for at least 8 hours or until solid.
5
When ready to serve, use a fork to scrape and fluff the frozen mixture, creating a light, granita texture.
6
Scoop into bowls or cups, garnish with additional fresh mint leaves if desired, and enjoy your refreshing watermelon mint granita!
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
39g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
37g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Watermelon Mint Refresher Granita?
It is a vibrant, icy frozen dessert made by blending watermelon, mint, lime, and simple syrup, then freezing and scraping it to a light texture.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: water, sugar, fresh mint, watermelon, and lime juice.
How many calories are in one serving of this granita?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this watermelon granita fat-free?
Yes, this recipe contains 0g of fat.
How much sugar is in this dessert?
This recipe contains 37g of sugar per serving.
What is the first step in making the granita?
The first step is to create a mint-infused simple syrup by boiling water, sugar, and fresh mint leaves in a saucepan.
Do I need to strain the simple syrup?
Yes, you should strain the syrup to remove the mint leaves once it has cooled to room temperature.
How should I prepare the watermelon?
Remove the rind and cut the fruit into manageable chunks before blending.
What ingredients go into the blender?
Combine the watermelon chunks, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and the cooled simple syrup.
How long does the granita need to freeze?
It needs to freeze for at least 8 hours or until it is completely solid.
What kind of dish should I use for freezing?
A shallow baking dish is recommended to ensure the mixture spreads evenly and freezes properly.
How do I achieve the specific granita texture?
Use a fork to scrape and fluff the frozen mixture once it is solid.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe recommends 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for hot summer days?
Yes, it is specifically described as an exquisite treat to beat the heat and provide hydration.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 0.5g of protein.
How much water is needed for the syrup?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water.
What type of mint should I use?
Use fresh mint; use the stems for the syrup and the leaves for blending and garnish.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, it is a frozen, no-bake dessert, although it requires brief heating on a stovetop for the syrup.
What are the total carbohydrates in this dish?
There are 39g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it can be served as a light dessert or a revitalizing healthy snack.
What size watermelon is needed?
One medium-sized watermelon is required for this recipe.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe contains no cholesterol.
How much lime juice is added to the blender?
Add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I garnish the granita?
Yes, you can garnish the finished scoops with additional fresh mint leaves.
What is the sodium content?
The recipe does not list any significant sodium content.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
No, an ice cream maker is not needed; you simply use a blender and a fork for scraping.
Is the simple syrup cooled before blending?
Yes, allow the simple syrup to reach room temperature before adding it to the watermelon.
What does the 'fluffing' step involve?
It involves using a fork to break up the ice crystals into a snow-like consistency.
How much sugar is used in the syrup?
One cup of sugar is used to make the simple syrup base.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients used (watermelon, mint, lime, sugar, water) are plant-based.