This Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is the perfect summer dessert that combines the refreshing taste of mint ice cream with a vibrant, icy watermelon granita. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or simply enjoying on a hot day, this dessert stands out with its creamy texture and delightful flavor contrast. The balance between the rich mint custard and the tangy, salted granita makes it an elegant treat you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh mint and watermelon creates a cooling sensation perfect for hot days.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve in bowls or glasses; this dessert can elevate any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy dinners.
• Impressive Presentation: The bright colors of the mint ice cream and watermelon granita make for a visually stunning dish.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying sugar levels according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ice cream maker
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Blender
• Shallow dish
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Ice cream maker: This tool ensures your mint ice cream reaches the perfect creamy texture while freezing.
• Blender: A good blender helps achieve a smooth consistency for the watermelon granita, making it light and flaky.
• Saucepan: Essential for infusing flavors into the milk and cooking the custard base effectively.

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. After steeping, strain and discard the mint leaves.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

In a mixing 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 (approximately 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. After churning, transfer it to a container and freeze until firm.

Step 6: Make the Granita

Blend together watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth. Pour this mixture 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 (about 3–4 hours).

Step 8: Serve

Scoop generous portions of fresh mint ice cream into bowls or glasses. Top each serving with salted watermelon granita. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

Serving Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita can elevate your summer gatherings. This vibrant dessert not only looks appealing but also offers a refreshing combination of flavors.

Serve in Elegant Glasses

• Use clear glass bowls or cups to showcase the beautiful layers of mint ice cream and watermelon granita. This adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert presentation.

Garnish with Fresh Mint Leaves

• Top each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. This enhances the minty aroma and adds a pop of color, making the dish even more inviting.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries. The tartness complements the sweet ice cream and granita perfectly.

Drizzle with Honey or Agave

• A light drizzle of honey or agave syrup over the top can add extra sweetness and shine, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Create a Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar where guests can create their own parfaits by layering mint ice cream, salted watermelon granita, and various toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings.

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How to Perfect Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

To achieve the best results when making Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita, follow these simple tips for a flawless treat.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh mint leaves and ripe watermelon for optimal flavor. Quality ingredients make all the difference in taste.
• Chill thoroughly: Make sure to chill your custard base completely before churning. This helps achieve a creamy texture in your ice cream.
• Scrape regularly: For the granita, remember to scrape every 30–45 minutes while it freezes. This ensures you create light, flaky crystals instead of a solid block.
• Taste before serving: Adjust sweetness levels by tasting both components before serving. You may want to add more sugar or lemon juice based on personal preference.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to enhance your granita by adding other fruits or herbs. Lemon balm or basil can provide an interesting twist.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its refreshing flavors. Consider these options for a complete meal.

1. Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches bring a warm contrast and make an excellent pairing with cold desserts.
2. Caprese Salad: This salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a savory balance to sweet ice cream.
3. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides coolness that matches well with this icy treat.
4. Charcuterie Board: Include meats and cheeses for guests who enjoy savory bites alongside their sweets.
5. Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers are not only fun but also provide refreshing bites that enhance the overall experience.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch from pretzels dipped in chocolate creates a delightful contrast to the smooth ice cream.
7. Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad can cleanse the palate between bites of your rich dessert.
8. Savory Tartlets: Mini savory tartlets filled with cheese or vegetables add variety to your dessert spread without overwhelming the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold flavor imbalance: Using too much mint can overpower the dish. Keep the mint flavor balanced to complement the granita.
• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the custard base properly can lead to a grainy texture. Always chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Not scraping the granita frequently: If you don’t scrape the granita every 30-45 minutes, it won’t achieve that light and flaky texture. Regular scraping is key.
• Using low-quality ingredients: In recipes like this, fresh ingredients matter. Use high-quality mint and ripe watermelon for the best flavor.
• Ignoring serving suggestions: Skipping toppings or garnishes can make your dessert less appealing. Consider adding fresh fruits or herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftover mint ice cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• item The salted watermelon granita can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

• item Freeze the fresh mint ice cream in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks without losing its creamy texture.
• item The granita should be stored in a shallow dish covered with plastic wrap or foil and can last up to 1 month in the freezer.

Reheating Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

• item Oven: Not recommended as ice cream will melt quickly.
• item Microwave: Use short intervals (10-15 seconds) to soften slightly if needed; avoid overheating.
• item Stovetop: Again, not ideal for ice cream; enjoy it cold as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita.

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

Using dried mint is possible, but it lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh mint. If you must use dried, reduce the amount by half.

How do I serve Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita?

Scoop the mint ice cream into bowls or glasses and top generously with salted watermelon granita for a stunning presentation.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or nuts to your mint ice cream or experiment with different fruits in the granita.

What’s the best way to freeze watermelon for granita?

Cut ripe watermelon into chunks and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. This helps maintain texture when blended later.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita is a delightful summer dessert that combines creamy and icy textures perfectly. Its refreshing flavors make it versatile enough for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings!

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Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Experience the ultimate summer delight with this Fresh Mint Ice Cream topped with Salted Watermelon Granita. This refreshing dessert is the perfect balance of creamy mint custard and icy, tangy watermelon granita. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this visually stunning treat will impress your guests and cool you down on hot days. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dessert is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a unique twist that suits your taste!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups fresh mint leaves
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 5 egg yolks
• A pinch of salt
• 3 cups watermelon, diced and seeded
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

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Instructions

1. Infuse milk with fresh mint in a saucepan over medium heat. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar, then mix in warm mint-infused milk.
3. Cook the mixture in the saucepan over low heat until it thickens (about 170°F).
4. Stir in heavy cream and salt, then chill completely in the refrigerator.
5. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions and freeze until firm.
6. Blend watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth; freeze in a shallow dish.
7. Scrape every 30–45 minutes until light and flaky (about 3–4 hours).
8. Serve scoops of mint ice cream topped with watermelon granita.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness according to taste by modifying sugar levels. Garnish with fresh mint or berries for an elegant touch.