This Watermelon Lime Granita Offers a Sweet Way to Survive Summer Heat

By Leo Danzig
Allie Lehman
Allie Lehman

If you're looking for a sweet way to survive the Summer heat, look no further than this icy dessert from Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee ($15). The watermelon lime granita only has a couple simple ingredients and can be frozen in no time!

Allie Lehman

Watermelon Lime Granitas

Cook Time20 minutes plus freeze time
Yield4 to 6 servings

From Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee

INGREDIENTS

    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 3 tablespoons water
    • 2 limes, juice and zest
    • 1 small watermelon

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Warm the sugar, water, and lime juice in a saucepan at a gentle simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture starts to thicken just slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let syrup cool.

    2. While the syrup is cooling, cut your watermelon into chunks, discarding the rind and any seeds.

    3. Blend the watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth. You should have about 3 cups. Add the cooled syrup and lime zest to the watermelon.

    4. Transfer to a 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Place the dish ever so carefully in the freezer. If you can’t fit a 9 × 13-inch dish in your freezer, a loaf pan or a 9 × 9-inch dish will work as well.

    5. Check in on your granitas every half hour or so. Give it a quick scrape over with a fork so it doesn't freeze solid and develops a nice, fluffy texture.

    Notes

    What this recipe demands in passive time, it makes up for in simplicity. We find a 9 × 13-inch pan works best for this — it gives you a little slosh room getting into the freezer. With a steady hand, a smaller pan would work just fine. If you want to make this a grownup dessert, vodka or tequila is a superb addition.