This Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is the perfect summer treat! Its creamy mint flavor combined with the refreshing crunch of watermelon granita makes it an ideal dessert for warm days, picnics, or family gatherings. The bright colors and flavors make this dessert not only delicious but also visually stunning, sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cool mint and sweet watermelon provides a unique taste that’s perfect for hot weather.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it on its own or as a fancy addition to any summer gathering; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Elegant Presentation: The vibrant colors of the mint ice cream and watermelon granita create an eye-catching dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe by adding other fruits or adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful dessert, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Ice cream maker
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Ice cream maker: Churns the mixture to create a creamy texture in the ice cream.
- Blender: Ensures the watermelon granita is smooth before freezing, helping achieve a light texture.
- Saucepan: Ideal for heating the milk and infusing it with mint without burning.
Ingredients
For the Fresh Mint Ice Cream:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 5 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
For the Salted Watermelon Granita:
- 3 cups watermelon, diced and seeded
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
How to Make Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
Step 1: Infuse the Milk
In a saucepan, combine whole milk and fresh mint leaves. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and discard mint leaves.
Step 2: Make the Custard Base
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Slowly whisk in the warm mint-infused milk until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Custard
Return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat while stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 77°C).
Step 4: Finish the Base
Stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze until firm.
Step 6: Make the Granita
Blend watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth. Pour into a shallow dish and freeze.
Step 7: Scrape to Form Granita
Every 30–45 minutes, scrape the frozen mixture with a fork to create icy crystals. Repeat this process until light and flaky, which should take about 3–4 hours.
Step 8: Serve
Scoop mint ice cream into bowls or glasses. Top generously with salted watermelon granita. Serve immediately for a refreshing treat!
How to Serve Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
Serving Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is all about presentation and pairing. This dessert not only looks stunning but also offers a delightful contrast of flavors that will impress your guests. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing treat.
In Elegant Dessert Bowls
- Use clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers of mint ice cream and watermelon granita.
- Garnish with extra mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
With Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Add slices of fresh watermelon or berries on the side for an extra fruity touch.
- This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors beautifully.
As Part of a Summer Dessert Bar
- Set up a DIY dessert bar where guests can create their own combinations.
- Include toppings like crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or additional mint leaves.
On a Bed of Crushed Ice
- Serve in a shallow dish filled with crushed ice to keep everything cool.
- This adds an extra layer of refreshment, perfect for hot days.
Accompanied by Refreshing Beverages
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a complete summer experience.
- Provide options for guests to choose their favorite drink alongside the dessert.
How to Perfect Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
Perfecting your Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita takes just a little extra care. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh mint and ripe watermelon. This enhances flavor and texture significantly.
- Strain well: Make sure to strain the mint-infused milk thoroughly to avoid any gritty texture in your ice cream.
- Monitor temperature: When cooking the custard, keep an eye on the temperature. It should reach about 170°F (77°C) without boiling.
- Chill completely: Allow the mixture to chill fully before churning. This helps achieve a smoother texture in your ice cream.
- Scrape often: For the granita, scrape every 30–45 minutes during freezing. This ensures light and flaky crystals that are easy to scoop.
Best Side Dishes for Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
Pairing side dishes with Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.
- Grilled Peaches – Sweet, caramelized peaches add a warm contrast to icy desserts. Simply grill until soft and serve alongside.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic choice; their chewy texture pairs well with creamy ice cream. Bake them fresh for added appeal.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits can balance sweetness and provide freshness. Consider adding citrus for zing!
- Pistachio Biscotti – Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful textural contrast when dunked into creamy ice cream.
- Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats enhance tropical notes that pair beautifully with watermelon granita.
- Lemon Sorbet – A tart sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of rich mint ice cream, enhancing overall enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results.
- Ignoring the steeping time: Allowing the mint to steep in the milk is crucial for flavor. Skipping this step results in bland ice cream.
- Overcooking the custard: If you cook the custard too long, it may curdle. Keep an eye on the temperature and stir constantly until just thickened.
- Not chilling the mixture: Failing to chill the mint base thoroughly before churning can result in a grainy texture. Be patient and allow it to cool completely.
- Using unripe watermelon: A ripe watermelon is key for a flavorful granita. Test for ripeness by checking for a uniform color and a hollow sound when tapped.
- Skipping the scraping step: Don’t forget to scrape the granita every 30–45 minutes while it freezes. This creates light, fluffy crystals essential for texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store fresh mint ice cream in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep salted watermelon granita in a shallow dish covered with plastic wrap for about 3 days.
Freezing Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
- Freeze ice cream until firm, typically 4 hours or more.
- Granita should be frozen for at least 6 hours before serving.
Reheating Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
- Oven: Not recommended as ice cream will melt.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) if needed, but this may alter texture.
- Stovetop: Avoid reheating; serve cold as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita?
To make this treat, infuse milk with fresh mint, prepare a custard, churn it into ice cream, and combine it with icy salted watermelon granita.
Can I use dried mint for Fresh Mint Ice Cream?
While you can use dried mint, fresh mint offers a brighter flavor that enhances the ice cream’s taste.
What if my granita isn’t flaky?
If your granita isn’t flaky, ensure you scrape it every half hour while freezing to create those delightful icy crystals.
Can I customize my Fresh Mint Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or swirl in fruit purees for added flavor and texture variations.
Final Thoughts
The Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is an elegant dessert perfect for summer days. Its refreshing flavors and textures make it a delightful choice that you can easily customize. Try adding different fruits or herbs to create your unique version!
Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of Fresh Mint Ice Cream paired with Salted Watermelon Granita—your new favorite summer dessert! This refreshing treat blends the cool, creamy essence of mint ice cream with the icy crunch of sweet watermelon granita, creating a vibrant and visually stunning dish. It’s perfect for hot days, picnics, or family gatherings, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 5 egg yolks
- 3 cups watermelon, diced and seeded
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Infuse whole milk with fresh mint leaves in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Remove from heat and steep for 30 minutes; strain out mint.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl, then gradually add warm mint-infused milk.
- Cook the mixture over low heat until thickened, about 170°F (77°C). Stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to instructions and freeze until firm.
- For the granita, blend watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth; pour into a shallow dish and freeze.
- Scrape every 30–45 minutes until light and flaky (about 3–4 hours).
- Serve scoops of mint ice cream topped with salted watermelon granita.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Fresh ingredients yield the best flavors; opt for ripe watermelon. Customize your dessert by adding chocolate chips to the ice cream or using other fruits in the granita.
