| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours (freeze time) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 0.4g | 0.1g | 36.9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35.7g | 1g | 1.8g | 0.025g |
With the fresh and fruity Cantaloupe Granita, I’m taking you on a culinary detour from my beloved Atlantic coast to give your taste buds a sweet and refreshing Mediterranean summer experience.
Often compared to Italian sorbet or Hawaiian shave ice, Cantaloupe Granita is a deliciously cooling dessert that hails from Sicily – a world away from my coastal New England hometown, yet undeniably delightful. The common thread? Both regions share an appreciation for the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients that let the natural flavours shine—which is exactly what this recipe does.
A Mediterranean Gem: Cantaloupe Granita
Every spoonful of Cantaloupe Granita is like a tiny vacation for your senses. The fresh, fruity flavour of ripe cantaloupes dances with the sharp, energising tang of lemon juice and the delicate sweetness of honey, offering a summer symphony that’s delightful to taste.
And let’s not forget the slushy, icy texture! It gives the dessert an ethereal, melt-in-your-mouth quality that enhances the explosion of flavours and further cools you down on those sizzling summer days.
Healthy and Refreshing
Aside from being incredibly delicious, Cantaloupe Granita is also a guilt-free sweet treat. Cantaloupes are packed with vitamin C and A, promoting skin health and boosting immunity. Honey, a natural sweetener, adds a touch of natural goodness, replacing the excess sugar often found in traditional desserts.
Combined with lemon providing a dose of refreshing zest and being packed with antioxidants, this is a dessert that nourishes the body and the soul.
Given my seaside roots, I particularly enjoy pairing this Cantaloupe Granita with a handful of Salted Almond Cinnamon Biscotti for a sea-and-sand-inspired sweet treat. The granita perfectly complements the crunchiness of the biscotti’s like surf hitting the shore—providing a roundtrip ticket to my favorite coastal memories, while still enjoying a sunny Mediterranean treat.
Try making this Cantaloupe Granita, and let the taste of summer fill you up; refreshing, vibrant, and wonderfully comforting. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe cantaloupes
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2/3 cup of water
- 1 pinch of salt
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by cutting the cantaloupes into half and removing the seeds. Continue to peel the skin off and chop the fruit into small chunks.
Step Two
Next, in a blender, combine the cantaloupe chunks, sugar, honey, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
Step Three
Transfer the mixture to a large flat-bottomed dish or a baking pan. Spread out evenly and place in the freezer.
Step Four
Freeze for about 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mixture is semi-solid. Then, take it out and break it up using a fork, creating a granular texture.
Step Five
Return the pan to the freezer. Repeat the process of breaking up the mixture every 40 minutes until completely frozen and granulated. This typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Step Six
To serve, scoop the cantaloupe granita into individual serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired. Enjoy the refreshing dessert immediately.
