Description
Cool summer days meet sweet Italian tradition in this refreshing Watermelon Italian Ice recipe. Crisp watermelon blends with simple ingredients to create a delightful frozen treat that cools and delights you on hot afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Watermelon Base:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Preparation Tools:
- 1 blender
- 1 baking dish
- 1 freezer-safe container
- 1 spatula
- 1 whisk
Instructions
- Purée fresh watermelon cubes with water in a blender until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Transfer the liquid mixture to a saucepan and incorporate granulated sugar, stirring continuously over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sugar-watermelon mixture from heat and allow to cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Incorporate lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt into the cooled mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Pour the liquid into a shallow baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent freezing.
- Place the baking dish in the freezer and allow to partially freeze for 45-60 minutes, checking periodically.
- Remove from freezer and use a fork to scrape and break up any forming ice crystals, creating a granular texture.
- Repeat the freezing and scraping process every 30 minutes for approximately 2-3 hours until the desired slushy consistency is achieved.
- Transfer the final Italian ice to a freezer-safe container for storage, allowing it to set for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
- Scoop and serve the watermelon Italian ice chilled, enjoying the refreshing summer treat.
Notes
- Blend watermelon at peak ripeness for maximum natural sweetness and vibrant flavor profile.
- Use filtered water to ensure clean, pure taste without mineral interference.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave for different dietary needs and unique flavor variations.
- Ensure constant stirring during sugar dissolution to prevent crystallization and maintain smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg