Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

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Introduction

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is a refreshing, vibrant dessert that combines the cool, creamy texture of mint ice cream with the icy, slightly sweet flavor of watermelon granita. The mint ice cream is smooth, cool, and subtly sweet, with a burst of freshness in every bite. Paired with the granita, which is light and refreshing with a delicate saltiness that complements the natural sweetness of the watermelon, this dessert is a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s like a bright, rejuvenating escape on a warm day, offering a tantalizing mix of creamy and icy with a hint of savory.

This dessert is special to me because of its perfect harmony of flavors. I first made it for a summer dinner party, and the combination of cool mint and juicy watermelon was a hit with everyone. The granita, with its slight crunch and salt, adds an unexpected twist that takes this dessert from good to extraordinary. The mint ice cream, with its natural, fresh flavor, perfectly complements the granita, making each bite feel both indulgent and refreshing.

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is the perfect dessert for a hot summer evening, where something cooling yet flavorful is exactly what you need. It’s ideal for a light, satisfying end to a meal or as a treat to enjoy on its own. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only visually striking but also offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors, this is the one to try!

Perfect for:

Hot summer days
Refreshing and unique desserts
Backyard parties or picnics
Ice cream lovers
Fruit-forward treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita will become your go-to dessert:

Refreshing Flavor Combination: The combination of cooling mint ice cream and the juicy, slightly salty watermelon granita is truly one-of-a-kind.
Cooling and Light: The granita provides a refreshing, icy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy mint ice cream.
Summer in Every Bite: The natural sweetness of watermelon and the fresh zing of mint make this dessert the essence of summer.
Easy to Make: Although it’s a showstopper, the granita is simple to prepare, and the ice cream can be made in advance for convenience.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of sweetness, salt, or mint flavor to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time for Granita: 3 hours
Churning Time for Ice Cream: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita:

For the Fresh Mint Ice Cream:

2 cups fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt

For the Salted Watermelon Granita:

4 cups watermelon, diced and seeds removed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Mint: Gives the ice cream its bright, refreshing flavor. Using fresh leaves ensures a more natural taste.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These create a smooth, creamy base for the mint ice cream.
Watermelon: The star of the granita, watermelon brings natural sweetness and a juicy, icy texture.
Lime and Honey: Add a zesty tang and a touch of sweetness to the granita, enhancing the watermelon’s flavor.
Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness of the watermelon with a hint of savory contrast.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita:

Make the Fresh Mint Ice Cream:

Prepare the Mint Infusion: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm (not boiling). Add the mint leaves, stir, and remove from heat. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Custard Base: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and a pinch of salt. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
Cool the Custard: Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm (about 3 hours).

Make the Salted Watermelon Granita:

Blend the Watermelon: In a blender or food processor, combine the watermelon, lime juice, honey (or agave), and sea salt. Blend until smooth.
Freeze the Granita: Pour the mixture into a shallow pan or dish and place it in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture, breaking up the ice crystals. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours, until the granita has a fluffy, granular texture.
Serve the Granita: Once the granita is ready, use a fork to fluff it again before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

How to Serve

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita can be served in several elegant ways:

Layered Presentation: Serve a scoop of mint ice cream in a bowl or glass, topped with a generous spoonful of the watermelon granita.
In Glass Cups: For a sophisticated touch, serve the granita and ice cream in clear glass cups or dessert glasses to highlight the vibrant colors.
With Fresh Mint Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of the granita for a fragrant, decorative finishing touch.
Side-by-Side: Serve the mint ice cream and granita side by side on a plate for a beautiful contrast of textures and colors.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita perfect:

Use Fresh Mint: Fresh mint gives a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried mint simply can’t match.
Don’t Over-Process the Watermelon: To preserve the texture of the granita, don’t over-blend the watermelon—just enough to break it down into a smooth puree.
Chill the Custard: The ice cream custard must be thoroughly chilled before churning to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
Granita Scraping: For the perfect granita texture, scrape the mixture every 30 minutes to keep it light and fluffy.
Lime Variations: If you prefer a tangier flavor, adjust the lime juice to your liking.
Experiment with Sweeteners: Adjust the honey or agave in the granita to your preferred sweetness level, or swap it for a different sweetener like maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways to customize Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita:

Mint-Chocolate Chip Version: Add chocolate chips to the mint ice cream for a classic twist.
Basil Ice Cream: Swap the mint for fresh basil leaves for a different herbal flavor.
Watermelon Mojito Granita: Add a splash of rum and mint to the granita for a mojito-inspired version.
Coconut Mint Ice Cream: Use coconut milk in place of some of the cream for a tropical twist.
Berry Granita: Replace the watermelon with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a different fruit flavor.
Spicy Granita: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeño to the granita for a spicy kick.
Almond Mint Ice Cream: Stir in roasted almonds or almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Honeydew Granita: Use honeydew melon instead of watermelon for a milder, sweeter granita.
Lime Granita: Replace the watermelon with lime juice for a citrusy twist to the granita.
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk in the ice cream base and replace honey with maple syrup for a dairy-free dessert.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing the Ice Cream: The mint ice cream can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the freezer.
Storing the Granita: Granita is best served fresh but can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 days. Be sure to scrape it again before serving to maintain its fluffy texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some useful tools for making Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita:

Ice Cream Maker: Essential for churning the mint ice cream to a creamy consistency.
Blender or Food Processor: For making the watermelon granita quickly and easily.
Shallow Pan or Dish: A shallow pan helps the granita freeze faster and allows easy scraping.
Fine Mesh Sieve: Used to strain the mint leaves from the custard, ensuring a smooth ice cream base.
Fork: For scraping the granita and creating its fluffy texture.
Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients for both the ice cream and granita.

FAQs

Can I make the ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make the ice cream by freezing the custard mixture in a shallow container and stirring it every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Can I prepare the granita in advance?
Yes, the granita can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to 2 days.
Can I use a different melon for the granita?
Yes, cantaloupe or honeydew melon would also work well as substitutes for watermelon.
Can I add alcohol to the granita?
Yes, a splash of rum, vodka, or tequila can be added to the granita for an adult twist.
How can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Substitute the cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
How long does the ice cream last?
The mint ice cream will stay good in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that offers a perfect balance of cool, creamy mint ice cream and the bright, refreshing burst of salted watermelon granita. The mint ice cream provides a smooth, aromatic base, while the granita adds a touch of saltiness and vibrant flavor that complements the sweetness of the melon.

What truly makes this dessert stand out is its contrast in textures—the creamy, velvety ice cream contrasts beautifully with the icy, grainy granita, creating a delightful mouthfeel with every spoonful. The combination of mint and watermelon is a summer-perfect pairing, offering a light yet satisfying treat that refreshes without being overly rich.

This dessert is ideal for a warm afternoon, an outdoor gathering, or as a sweet conclusion to a light meal. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, ensuring that you can spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family. I hope you enjoy this cool and invigorating treat, and as always, I’d love to see how you put your spin on it—don’t forget to share your creations with me! Enjoy the refreshing flavors in every bite!

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