Tropical Horchata Granita Delight
Experience a delightful twist on a traditional favorite with this Tropical Horchata Granita Delight. Combining the creamy richness of horchata with the vibrant flavors of kiwi, mango, and pineapple, this refreshing dessert is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. It's easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home. Serve it garnished with nutty black sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jasmine rice
2 cups (rinsed and ground)
Vanilla bean
1 (split lengthwise)
Cinnamon stick
1 (preferably canela or Ceylon)
Whole milk
2 cups
Sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon
Kosher salt
to taste
Ripe mango
1 (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Ripe kiwi
4 (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Medium pineapple
1/4 (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Black sesame seeds
for serving
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a blender, grind the rinsed rice on high speed until it becomes a fine powder.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the ground rice with 4 cups of water, the split vanilla bean, and the cinnamon stick. Stir to mix and cover the bowl securely. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours to infuse the flavors.
3
After the infusion period, vigorously whisk the rice mixture to evenly distribute the solids. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a 13" x 9" baking dish, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids or reserve them for another use, like cream-of-rice porridge.
4
To the strained rice milk, whisk in the whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5
Place the baking dish in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze until the edges start to set, about 30 to 35 minutes. Carefully scrape the frozen edges with a fork to break up the ice. Return to the freezer and continue to scrape every 20 to 30 minutes until the granita reaches a fluffy, shaved-ice texture, which should take 2 to 4 hours.
6
While the granita is freezing, prepare the fruit. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped mango, kiwi, and pineapple. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar over the fruit, then toss gently to coat. Cover and chill the fruit until ready to serve.
7
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the granita into individual bowls or glasses. Top generously with the chilled fruit mixture and sprinkle with black sesame seeds for a visually appealing finish.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
34g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Horchata Granita Delight?
It is a refreshing frozen dessert that combines the creamy essence of traditional horchata with vibrant tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, and pineapple.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
Jasmine rice is used for its aromatic qualities, which is rinsed and then ground into a fine powder for the base.
How long does the rice infusion process take?
The ground rice mixture should sit at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours to properly infuse with the vanilla and cinnamon.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, although the recipe calls for whole milk, you can substitute it with a plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk to make it vegan-friendly.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving of this Tropical Horchata Granita Delight.
What is the fat content of this dessert?
Each serving contains about 6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This dessert contains 34 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the granita?
There are 4 grams of protein in each serving.
What tropical fruits are needed?
The recipe requires one ripe mango, four kiwis, and a quarter of a medium pineapple.
What is the purpose of scraping the mixture with a fork?
Scraping the mixture every 20 to 30 minutes while freezing breaks up the ice to create a fluffy, shaved-ice granita texture.
What kind of cinnamon should I use?
Canela or Ceylon cinnamon sticks are preferred for a more authentic and delicate flavor profile.
How do I prepare the vanilla bean?
The vanilla bean should be split lengthwise before being added to the rice and water mixture for infusion.
Is this a good dessert for a gathering?
Yes, it is an ideal treat for gatherings because it can be prepared in advance and is very refreshing on hot days.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish is recommended for freezing the granita to ensure it sets properly.
How long does it take for the granita to reach its final texture?
The freezing and scraping process typically takes between 2 to 4 hours.
What should I do with the strained rice solids?
You can discard the solids or reserve them for another use, such as making cream-of-rice porridge.
What is used as a final garnish?
The dish is garnished with black sesame seeds for an elegant look and a slightly nutty flavor.
How do I prepare the fruit topping?
Chop the fruit into 1/2 inch pieces, toss with a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of salt, then chill until ready to serve.
How much sugar is in the granita base?
The granita base uses 1/2 cup of sugar, with an additional tablespoon used for the fruit topping.
Why do I need to rinse the rice?
Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch, which helps in achieving a cleaner flavor.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for both the granita mixture and the fruit topping.
How many kiwis should I buy?
You will need 4 ripe kiwis for the fruit mixture.
Can I use pre-ground rice flour?
While the recipe suggests grinding jasmine rice for freshness, you can use fine rice flour if a blender is unavailable.
Is the granita supposed to be completely solid?
No, it should have a fluffy, shaved-ice texture, achieved by periodic scraping with a fork.
How much milk is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of whole milk.
Is the recipe difficult to make?
The recipe is tagged as easy, though it does require patience for the infusion and freezing steps.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 distinct ingredients used in this Tropical Horchata Granita Delight.
How do I serve the granita?
Scoop the granita into individual bowls, top with the chilled fruit mixture, and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
What flavor does the jasmine rice provide?
Jasmine rice provides a floral and slightly nutty base that complements the tropical fruits.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be kept in the freezer, but you may need to scrape the surface again if it freezes too solid.