Description
This refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Granita is a simple, icy dessert perfect for hot days. Combining the natural sweetness of watermelon with crisp cucumber and a hint of lime, it’s a light and hydrating treat that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and a blender or food processor.
Ingredients
Granita Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups cucumber (English or Persian), peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener (or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Thin cucumber slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Puree Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the watermelon cubes, chopped cucumber, monk fruit sweetener (or sugar), and fresh lime juice. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and well combined.
- Initial Freeze: Pour the smooth mixture into a 9 x 9-inch metal baking pan. Place the pan in the freezer for about 1 1/2 hours until the mixture is nearly set.
- Scrape and Refreeze: Remove the pan from the freezer and use a fork to scrape the mixture thoroughly. This breaks up ice crystals and mixes the texture. Return the pan to the freezer and freeze again for 1 to 2 hours until it is almost completely set.
- Final Scraping: Use the fork to scrape the granita once more to form chunky, snow-like ice crystals. Repeat freezing and scraping occasionally until the entire mixture is frozen and nicely shaved, about 5 hours total.
- Serve: Scoop or scrape the granita into serving glasses and garnish with thin cucumber slices if desired. Serve immediately for the best icy texture.
Notes
- Use a metal baking pan as it freezes the mixture faster and helps in easier scraping.
- Scraping the granita multiple times is key to getting the light, flaky texture rather than a solid block of ice.
- Monk fruit sweetener is a low-calorie alternative to sugar; adjust sweetness to your taste.
- You can prepare this granita up to one day in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the freezer.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, reduce the number of scrapes but the traditional flaky result is worth the effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (including freezing and scraping time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
