Watermelon and mint granita

ingredients

• Watermelon and mint granita

  • 1 cup (220g) white sugar
  • 3 large fresh mint sprigs
  • 1.6 kilogram coarsely chopped watermelon
  • fresh mint sprigs, extra, to garnish

method

• Watermelon and mint granita

  • 1

    Combine sugar and 2 cups (500ml) of water in a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat, without boiling, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil. Add the mint sprigs, reduce the heat and simmer, without stirring, for 5 minutes.

  • 2

    Meanwhile, blend or process the watermelon in batches until smooth. Push puree through a sieve into a large bowl. Stir in the syrup.

  • 3

    Pour the mixture into two shallow meta pans. Cover with foil and freeze for about 3 hours or until almost set.

  • 4

    Using a fork, scrape the granita from bottom and sides of the pans, mixing the frozen with the unfrozen mixture. Cover and return to the freezer until frozen.

  • 5

    To serve, use a fork to scrape the granita to form large ice crystals. Spoon into glasses and serve immediately.