Melon with Basil-Lime Granita
A refreshing summer dessert combining sweet cantaloupe and honeydew melon topped with a sophisticated basil and lime-infused granita. The herbs add a fresh, aromatic twist to this elegant frozen treat.
Ingredients
- •3 cups water
- •⅔ cup sugar
- •1½ cups basil leaves
- •½ cup lime juice
- •1 whole cantaloupe
- •1 whole honeydew
- •¼ cup mint leaves
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Bring water and 2/3 cup sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then simmer 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely in an ice bath, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
13 min
- 2.
Purée syrup with basil and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon lime juice until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a 3-quart shallow nonreactive container, pressing on and then discarding solids.
10 min
- 3.
Freeze basil-lime syrup, stirring and crushing lumps with a fork every 30 minutes, until evenly frozen, about 2 hours.
120 min
- 4.
One hour before serving, cut melons into small wedges and peel. Combine in a large bowl. Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon sugar and pour over fruit. Let macerate, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes.
75 min
- 5.
Scrape granita with a fork, crushing any lumps. Serve melon in shallow bowls, drizzled with melon liquid and topped with granita and mint.
5 min
