Ouzo, Watermelon and Mint Granita
A recipe for Ouzo, Watermelon and Mint Granita from the cookbook, Peináo! This refreshing watermelon granita is flavored with ouzo and finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 230 grams (1 cup) caster (superfine) sugar
- 50 milliliters (1 3/4 fluid ounces) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 kilogram (2 pounds 3 ounces) watermelon peeled and roughly chopped
- 80 milliliters (1/3 cup) ouzo
- Large handful of mint leaves finely chopped, plus extra leaves to serve
Instructions
- Place the sugar and lime juice in a saucepan over low heat, bring to a simmer, stirring, for 5-6 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, place the watermelon in a blender and blitz until smooth.
- Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring jug (you will need 600 milliliters/20 1/2 fluid ounces of juice) and pour into the lime sugar syrup, along with the ouzo and chopped mint, stirring to combine.
- Pour the granita mixture into a 1 litre (34 fluid ounce) capacity shallow tray and freeze for 1 hour.
- Use a fork to scrape the mixture from the edges of the tray into the centre, then spread out again.
- Return to the freezer for 30 minutes and repeat the process until the granita is completely frozen into a sandy texture of ice crystals.
- To serve, scoop the granita into glasses and top with extra mint leaves.