How to Make Watermelon Granita

Granitas are ice desserts similar to sorbet, but with a grainier texture. They're very easy to make at home and require no special equipment. This recipe makes just under a quart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Blenders
• Dinner Forks
• Saucepans
• Groceries
• Plastic food containers
• Juicers
• Strainers
• Mixing bowls
• 1/2 c. water
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 2 whole limes
• 6 c. cubed watermelon

1. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then shut off the heat and cool completely.
2. Juice the limes.
3. Purée the watermelon by forcing it through a sieve or by removing the seeds and puréeing it in a blender or food processor. Be sure to retain both the juice and the pulp.
4. Combine the sugar-syrup mixture, the lime juice and the watermelon purée and stir it all together well.
5. Taste the mixture. It should taste very sweet, with the lime juice noticeable. If you can't detect any tang, add more lime juice until you do.
6. Place the mixture in a shallow container and put it in the freezer.
7. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours, stirring the mixture together and fluffing it with a fork often. This action will create the granita's signature grainy texture.
8. Serve the granita just before it freezes completely.

Tips & Warnings

• If the mixture freezes too solid, it's not necessary to melt it. Simply scrape it with a fork or spoon, or grate it with a clean cheese grater.
• Exact measurements here aren't crucial, but pick the best, sweetest watermelon you can find.
• Adding a small quantity of alcohol can soften the granita's texture. But because the alcohol will not freeze, you'll need to stir the mixture more often. Use a liqueur like Grand Marnier or triple sec, or a spirit like vodka, bourbon or tequila.