Originating in Sicily, granitas are similar to Italian ice. They’re also heart healthier than ice cream and so easy to make. This refreshing version combines the creamy sweetness of cantaloupe with the tang of lime and mint.
Yield
Serves 10-12
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup sugar, or more to taste
1¼ cup fresh mint leaves
1 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse fresh produce under warm running water for 20 seconds. Scrub to remove excess dirt.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup mint leaves. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside to cool, about 20 minutes. Pour cooled syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves.
- In a blender, puree the strained syrup, cantaloupe, and lime juice until smooth, then taste. To sweeten more, add 1 tablespoon sugar at a time and blend; taste and repeat until desired flavor is reached. Add remaining mint leaves and blend until finely chopped.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 glass baking dish and freeze, at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Using the tines of a fork, scrape the granita to the desired texture and serve in chilled bowls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cool time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours and 35 minutes
Letting the granita sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes makes it smoother and easier to swallow.
Nutritional Information
Calories
90 calories
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g
Protein
1g
Saturated Fat
0g
Sodium
10mg
Sugar
21g
