Watermelon, Lime and Mint Granita

Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger from her book The Food You Crave

 

This icy pleasure is the very essence of watermelon, but even more refreshing. Bright pink with flecks of green mint, it is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. And it will definitely cool you off on the hottest summer days.


Serves 8-10
Serving Size: 1 cup


PER SERVING

CALORIES: 70
TOTAL FAT: 0G
PROTEIN: 1G
CARB: 18G
FIBER: 0G
CHOL: 0MG
SODIUM: 4MG


Ingredients

9 cups (about 4 pounds with the rind) seeded and cubed watermelon
1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/3 cup sugar


Method

Working in two batches, puree the watermelon in a food processor. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve, forcing the liquid out with a a wooden spoon. Discard the solids.


Combine the watermelon puree, mint, lime juice, and sugar in a 9x13-inch metal pan. Place the mixture in the freezer, scraping it thoroughly with a fork every 20 to 30 minutes for about 2 1/2 hours, until the granita resembles coarse crystals. Scrape one last time and spoon into parfait glasses or bowls. Top with a mint sprig.