| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 152 | 0.3g | 0g | 39g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 0.6g | 0.9g | 0.01g |
I am particularly excited to share this Watermelon Sorbet recipe with you today. As the hot summer days are upon us, I often find myself craving for something refreshing and light; something that takes me back to my warm Atlanta summers, yet offers a tropical twist. The Watermelon Sorbet fits the bill perfectly, resonating with both my Southern roots and my West-African heritage.
A Taste of My Heritage
You may wonder why a lawyer like me is so passionate about food. Well, growing up in a Nigerian household in Atlanta, food was a big deal. My parents fused unique, robust West African flavours with familiar Southern dishes, creating a culinary experience that was unsurpassed. This Watermelon Sorbet is reflective of that – a beautiful blend of a nostalgic Southern American fruit and a touch of brightness in the form of lemon juice typical of many African dessert recipes.
Refreshing and Healthful Delight
However, it’s not only the fusion of flavours that has me drawn to this recipe. The watermelon – the star of this recipe – is incredibly hydrating, being 92% water. It’s also packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, making this sorbet not just delicious, but also nourishing for the body. Adding the juice of a lemon not only boosts the taste but also provides a generous portion of vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in protecting our cells and improving skin health. (source)
This sorbet is not very unlike a watermelon popsicle or a deconstructed watermelon sangria . The sweet, refreshing qualities brilliantly align with what these dishes stand for. I typically serve this sorbet alongside spicy dishes, as it provides a cooling counterpoint that enhances the overall meal experience. Consider pairing it with grilled shrimp spiced with cayenne and garlic, or perhaps a smoky chipotle chicken, to fully appreciate the refreshing qualities of the Watermelon Sorbet.
Every bite of this Watermelon Sorbet is like a sip of summer – refreshing, sweet, and deeply satisfying. And I hope by experimenting with this recipe, you’ll not only enjoy a cooling dessert but also get a taste of the unique Afro-Southern fusion that I have grown to cherish.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 6 cups of watermelon cubes
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method
Step One
Firstly, you need to create a simple syrup. In a small pot, stir together the granulated sugar and water. Bring this mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Two
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and allow the syrup to cool off for a while.
Step Three
Meanwhile, put your watermelon cubes into a blender or food processor. Blend this until completely smooth. This should make roughly 4 cups of watermelon puree.
Step Four
Add the cooled simple syrup and lemon juice to the watermelon puree. Blend it again until everything is fully combined.
Step Five
Pour this mixture into a shallow dish and put it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the sorbet with a fork, breaking up any ice crystals that form. Keep doing this for about 3 to 4 hours until the sorbet is frozen.
Step Six
Once the sorbet is frozen, you can serve it. For a softer texture, you can blend it again before serving. Enjoy your homemade watermelon sorbet!
