**Summer Melon with Basil Mint Granita: A Refreshing Treat for Hot Days**
As the summer sun beats down and the temperature rises, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a cool and flavorful granita. This Italian dessert is made with fresh fruit, sugar, and water, and it's the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. This recipe features a combination of sweet and juicy summer melon, aromatic basil, and refreshing mint, creating a granita that is both delicious and visually appealing. In addition to the classic granita recipe, the article also includes variations using different fruits and herbs, such as strawberry basil and watermelon mint. Whether you're looking for a simple and refreshing treat or a more complex and flavorful dessert, you're sure to find a granita recipe in this article that you'll love.
SUMMER MELON GRANITA WITH FRESH MINT RECIPE - (4.6/5)
Provided by davidv
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine the sugar, water, and mint leaves into a medium pot. Boil the mixture for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Remove the mint leaves and discard them. Using a large blender, combine the honeydew, cantaloupe, lemon juice, salt, and cooled sugar-water mixture; blend until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and chill for 3 hours. After the 3 hours have passed, stir the honeydew mixture well and pour it into a 9" x 13" baking pan. Freeze the mixture for 5-6 hours. Make sure to scrape through with a fork every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours (to separate the crystals.) Serve in a chilled glass and decorate with mint sprigs.
WATERMELON GRANITA
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Pour into a shallow, wide pan and freeze for 1 hour. Rake mixture with fork and freeze for another hour. Rake and freeze for one more hour. Rake and serve in cups.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 143 calorie, Fat 0 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 2 milligrams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fiber 1 grams, Protein 1 grams, Sugar 34 grams
WATERMELON, LIME AND MINT GRANITA
Provided by Ellie Krieger
Categories dessert
Time 1h40m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Working in 2 batches, puree watermelon in a food processor. Strain puree through a sieve and strain out solids, forcing liquid out with a wooden spoon. Discard solids. Combine the watermelon puree, lime juice, mint and sugar in a 9 by 13-inch metal pan. Place mixture in the freezer, scraping thoroughly with a fork every 20 to 30 minutes for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the granita resembles coarse crystals. Scrape 1 last time and spoon into parfait glasses or bowls. Top with a mint sprig.
MELON WITH BASIL-LIME GRANITA
After such a substantial meal, you'll want to keep things light for dessert. A little fancier than a fruit salad yet almost as easy, this cool combination of musky cantaloupe and honeydew gets an unexpected fillip from icy granita. Dont worry if the granita melts faster than you expect-it will slump into a lovely sauce over the fruit.
Provided by Kay Chun
Categories Food Processor Low Fat Vegetarian Frozen Dessert Cantaloupe Honeydew Basil Healthy Gourmet
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring water and 2/3 cup sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then simmer 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely in an ice bath, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Purée syrup with basil and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon lime juice until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a 3-quart shallow nonreactive container, pressing on and then discarding solids.
- Freeze basil-lime syrup, stirring and crushing lumps with a fork every 30 minutes, until evenly frozen, about 2 hours.
- One hour before serving, cut melons into small wedges and peel. Combine in a large bowl. Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon sugar and pour over fruit. Let macerate, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes.
- Scrape granita with a fork, crushing any lumps. Serve melon in shallow bowls, drizzled with melon liquid and topped with granita and mint.
Tips:
- Choose ripe, sweet melons: The quality of your melons will greatly impact the flavor of the granita. Look for melons that are heavy for their size, have a deep yellow or orange color, and have a sweet smell.
- Use a variety of melons: Different melons have different flavors and textures, so using a variety will create a more complex and interesting granita. Some good combinations include watermelon and cantaloupe, honeydew and mint, or muskmelon and basil.
- Add other flavors: In addition to melons, you can also add other flavors to your granita, such as herbs, spices, or citrus fruits. Some good options include basil, mint, ginger, lemon, or lime.
- Sweeten to taste: The amount of sugar you add to your granita will depend on the sweetness of your melons. Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste.
- Freeze the granita in a shallow container: This will help the granita freeze evenly and quickly.
- Stir the granita every 30 minutes or so: This will help to prevent the granita from becoming too icy.
Conclusion:
Summer melon granita with basil and mint is a refreshing and delicious treat that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing granita that will help you cool down and enjoy the summer.
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