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Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (freezing and scraping time)
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice is a refreshing frozen treat featuring pureed watermelon blended with lime juice, chili powder, and sugar, then frozen and scraped to a fluffy, icy texture. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and citrus, this dessert captures the vibrant flavors of the Sonoran region, ideal for a hot summer day.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (for garnish)
  • Optional: extra chili powder or Tajín for topping


Instructions

  1. Puree Watermelon: In a blender, purée the watermelon until smooth, ensuring there are no large chunks left to create a consistent icy texture.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh lime juice, sugar, chili powder, and a pinch of salt to the blender with the watermelon purée. Blend again until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
  3. Prepare for Freezing: Pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish, spreading it evenly to allow for faster and more uniform freezing.
  4. Freeze and Scrape: Place the dish in the freezer for about 3 hours. Every 30 to 45 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture, breaking up ice crystals to form a fluffy, granita-like texture.
  5. Final Scrape Before Serving: Once fully frozen and fluffy, scrape the ice again before serving to maintain that light texture.
  6. Garnish: Spoon the watermelon ice into bowls and garnish with lime zest. Optionally, sprinkle with extra chili powder or Tajín for a spicy kick.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and vibrant flavors of this refreshing dessert.

Notes

  • Use seedless watermelon for easier blending and a smoother texture.
  • Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of your watermelon or personal preference.
  • Scraping the mixture frequently while freezing is key to achieving the perfect fluffy texture.
  • Tajín is a Mexican seasoning blend of chili powder, lime, and salt, which complements the flavors well.
  • This dessert is best enjoyed immediately after scraping for optimal texture, as it may harden if left too long.