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We had a party for the 4th of July. I bought a big watermelon – I mean what’s a summer bbq without it? Needless to say I had a full half a melon left for the two of us – and that’s after I sent some home with everyone!
You can only eat so many minty watermelon feta salads. Then it got really hot out! I wanted something cold but I didn’t want to go to the store. And then the ah ha moment!!
I’ve made granita before and I had everything I needed on hand. Once I decided what all I was going to use (mint or lemon verbena or lemon balm or …), I went out back and picked some mojito mint.
The finished granita was just very slightly minty and very refreshing!
What is Granita?
Granita is similar to Italian ice or shaved ice. It’s a mixture of sugar, fruit, sometimes water and other flavors. This icy dessert that is light and refreshing.
Homemade Yellow Lemon Italian Ice in a Bowl
I’ve heard it compared to sorbet but less creamy. There is no dairy in traditional granita. Depending on how it’s shaved, it can be chunky or smooth (I like it both ways). And it’s really easy to make at home!
Making the minty melon base
The first thing you have to do is make the base, and it’s easy. Save the rind for pickled watermelon rind!
Assemble all your ingredients.
Put them together in a blender,
then blend on high until
everything is mixed up together like a smoothie.
Pour it into a shallow container, cover and freeze for about 4 hours.
Making the icy granita
This is the part that takes some time. You’ll be repeating this step three times!
Using a fork turned so the rounded part is up, drag the tines across the ice. Keep doing it until it’s all somewhat fluffed up.
Return to the freezer for an hour and repeat. You need to do this step at least three times.
Serve it in a dish and enjoy. It’s so refreshing!!
Store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Re-fluff as needed.
© Copyright 2024 The Lazy Gastronome
A refreshing mixture of watermelon, sugar, lemon juice and mint. Easy to make and delicious to eat!
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 2 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
-
The first thing you have to do is make the base, and it's easy.
Assemble all your ingredients.
-
Put them together in a blender, then blend on high until everything is mixed up together like a smoothie.
-
Pour it into a shallow container, cover and freeze for about 4 hours.
-
This is the part that takes some time. You'll be repeating this step three times!
Using a fork turned so the rounded part is up, drag the tines across the ice. Keep doing it until it's all somewhat fluffed up.
-
Return to the freezer for an hour and repeat. You need to do this step at least three times.
-
Serve it in a dish and enjoy. It's so refreshing!!
Store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Re-fluff as needed.
© Copyright 2024 The Lazy Gastronome
What a refreshing little treat. Perfect for the summer! Love the pairing with the mint. Cheers!
I did not receive a link-up for this week. Are you still doing it?
Are you talking about the What’s for Dinner party? I am still doing it – every sunday, usually by 7am.
I didn’t realise how easy granita is when ending up in the same situation as you, with half a watermelon leftover, wondering what to do. I absolutely adored the mix of lemon, mint and watermelon and will be making this all summer long now.
We used to make this as little kids in my home country (in south america) were it was always hot. I loved making this recipe again. It brought back memories of my childhood. Thank you!
The granita turned out great. Our family loved this recipe.