The other day, I was flipping through the channels on the TV when I came to the local weather. I left the TV on and continued what I was doing, cleaning, packing, etc. The weatherman finally caught my attention when he muttered something about a cold front. Finally! I have been counting down the days to autumn since, well, June. Unfortunately, I think it is safe to say that a cold front is not in my near future. I don’t know why I ever trust the weatherman. I should know better by now.
I guess I’ll just have to be resourceful and find another way to stay cool while I wait for the leaves to start changing. Plenty of sweet summer watermelon is perfect incorporated into a cool, icy granita. It is hard to believe that watermelon, limes, and sugar can turn into such a wonderful frozen dessert. It is like magic. You basically just throw it in the freezer and poke at it with a fork a few times. And magic! Top it all off with a pinch of chili salt. It may sound a little odd, but the heat from the cayenne pepper pairs so well with sweet, cool watermelon.
Watermelon, Lime, and Chile Granita
| Yield | 4 to 6 |
| Meal type | Dessert |
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 lime, zested
- 2lb seedless watermelon, peeled and roughly chopped (6 cups)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
| 1. | Place the watermelon, sugar, lime zest, and lime juice in a blender and process until smooth and fully combined. Pour the mixture into a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and place in the freezer. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours, scraping the mixture with a fork every 30 minutes to create ice crystals. |
| 2. | Stir together the salt and cayenne in a small bowl. Spoon the granita into bowls and top each with a few pinches of chili salt, to taste. |
This granita takes a little bit of patience, but other than that, this recipe is fool proof. This watermelon, lime, and chile granita is the most refreshing, low-maintenance summer treat.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the use of cayenne here! Unexpected but perfect.
Wow, this is great! Great flavors (like Jen I like the cayenne), and it sounds super refreshing. Really good stuff – thanks.
Riley, that sounds UH-mazing! Where do you live? I’m in Nebraska and it’s been So flippin hot here until just recently. Now it’s like fall… so weird! But anywho, this looks soooo good, I don’t care if it’s hot or cold outside, I’m making it!
Rachael xoxo
Thanks so much Rachael! I hope you like it! I’m in Dallas, so I’m practically living off of things like this granita!
Wow, chili in watermelon granita! That’s something unique. Would love to try this soon.