Summer is a fleeting dream. One minute you're basking in the sun, and the next, you're wondering where all the daylight went. But there are ways to capture that sunshine, bottle it, and savor it long after the days grow shorter. This Watermelon Basil Granita? Its' my attempt to hold on tight to the memory of summer. I always remember when my mom would make us fresh watermelon juice, but this granita is next level. It’s stupid easy to make and impossibly refreshing. One thing I love doing is serving it as a palate cleanser between courses at a summer dinner party. It never fails to wow my guests and me!
Think of this granita as a sophisticated snow cone, or a refined icee. The subtle sweetness of watermelon, the peppery bite of basil, and a hint of lime come together in a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. And, if you're feeling a bit cheeky, a splash of vodka elevates it to a grown-up treat. Don't worry about the alcohol content; its' just enough to keep the granita from freezing into a solid block of ice, resulting in that perfect, scrape-able texture.
Required Equipments
- Blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Shallow baking dish (metal)
- Fork
Watermelon Basil Granita: Frequently Asked Questions
Watermelon Basil Granita
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing Watermelon Basil Granita. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, it's a sweet, savory, and icy treat perfect for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into chunks, removing the rind and any large seeds. You want about 6 cups of watermelon flesh. Don't stress too much about tiny seeds; the blending and sieving process will take care of them.
- Blend the Mixture: Toss the watermelon chunks into a blender. Add the fresh basil leaves, agave nectar (or your chosen sweetener), lime juice, and vodka (if using). Blend until completely smooth. Feel free to add a splash of water if it has trouble blending.
- Strain the Mixture: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Pour the blended watermelon mixture through the sieve to remove any remaining seeds or basil pieces. This step is key to achieving that perfectly smooth granita texture. Use a spatula to gently press the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Freeze: Pour the strained mixture into a shallow metal baking dish. The shallower the dish, the quicker it will freeze. Place the dish in the freezer.
- Scrape: After about 30-45 minutes, when ice crystals begin to form around the edges, use a fork to scrape the frozen parts towards the center, breaking up the ice crystals. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, or until the entire mixture is transformed into light, icy flakes. This frequent scraping is what gives granita its signature texture, so don't skip it!
- Serve: Once the granita has reached the desired consistency, scoop it into glasses or bowls. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a small wedge of watermelon, if you're feeling fancy.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the refreshing flavors!
📝 Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste; watermelon sweetness varies.
- For a kid-friendly version, omit the vodka.
- Use a high-quality blender for a smoother mixture.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 85 kcal
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 15mg
