I decided to add basil to this because Matt really liked the flavor of basil in the watermelon salad I made plus I have quite a bit still in the garden. I'm so glad I tried making this. It was really easy, the only time consuming bit was removing the seeds from the watermelon. You don't taste the few tablespoons of vodka in it but it keeps the granita from becoming a solid piece of ice. The end result is light & refreshing, it would be absolutely perfect on a hot summer day. Plus its healthier than ice cream!
Watermelon Basil Granita
1 small watermelon
2 T fresh basil, chopped
2/3 c sugar
2/3 c water
3 T vodka
Cut the watermelon into small pieces, removing any rind & seeds. Add it & the basil to a blender & purée until is it almost completely smooth, you really want this as smooth as possible. You should end up with about 3 cups of purée.
In a small saucepan heat the water & sugar until the sugar is dissolved, making a simple syrup.
Mix the watermelon purée, simple syrup & vodka together in a container with a lid & put into the freezer. Allow to freeze to a slushy texture & then break up with a fork. Put back into the freezer & allow to harden up again. Break up with a fork again when ready to serve.
Makes 4 - 6 servings
Now I want to try a lemon version next summer using limoncello.
Looking for more dessert ideas?
Blueberry Tarts
Chocolate Mousse for Two
Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes
9 comments:
I have been wanting to try something like this, but since watermelon made my husband sick the last 2 times he's eaten it, I'm afraid to use any watermelon! Maybe I'll just have to make some for myself.
Save that rind for watermelon pickles! I don't have the recipe I use handy but this one looks close. Don't worry about the sterilization; they keep forever in the refrigerator without it. Do try to trim off the pink bits, though, or it'll look like a jar of pulled teeth.
And thanks much for the link.
This sounds so good with the addition of basil! I love lemon so using limoncello sounds pretty awesome too.
Mmm... never thought of pairing basil with water melon, I use to pair watermelon with mint..so this is a must try.
You granita looks so refreshing :)
Nicely done! I like the use of basil in this. We are in the midst of a heat wave right now ... so this granita would make for the perfect end to my weekend :-)
is there anything I can use other than vodka?
This looks so pretty. The basil is a good idea. WTG, Kat. :)
I do love granita! This flavor combo is quite interesting though...definitely wish I could take a sample!
what a great use for watermelon! i'm almost never able to eat an entire watermelon before it goes bad, so this'll be a perfect way to use it up! :)
Post a Comment