Recipes, Guides, Lifestyles by GRATSI

Gelo di Melone
EAT

UNCLE FRANK'S

Gelo di Melone

Escape to the Mediterranean with our refreshing Gelo di Melone recipe, a Sicilian delight that captures the essence of summer.

By Frank Occhino

 |  

July 15, 2024

Gelo di Melone

By Frank Occhino

Ingredients

  • 1

    small watermelon (enough to make 2 1/2 cups of watermelon juice)

  • 2.5

    tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1/4

    cup granulated sugar

  • pistachios, chopped (for garnish)

  • chocolate chips (for garnish)

  • 1/4

    cup heavy cream

  • 1

    teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

7 Hours

4 servings

This traditional dessert features a watermelon jelly topped with freshly whipped cream, crunchy pistachios, and sweet chocolate chips. Simple to make and bursting with refreshing taste, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy on warm days.

A glass bowl filled with cubed watermelon sits on a wooden table, surrounded by small bowls containing sugar and chopped pistachios. A person stands nearby, partially out of frame.

STEP 1

Prepare the watermelon juice
Chop the watermelon into cubes. Blend the watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth. Strain the blended watermelon through a fine mesh sieve to obtain 2 1/2 cups of watermelon juice. Reserve 1/2 cup of the watermelon juice in a separate bowl.

STEP 2

Prepare the cornstarch mixture
In the bowl with the reserved 1/2 cup of watermelon juice, whisk together the cornstarch until smooth and well combined.

STEP 3

Cook the watermelon mixture
Heat a saucepan over low-medium heat. Pour the remaining 2 cups of watermelon juice into the saucepan and add the sugar. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture boils, add the watermelon-cornstarch mixture to the saucepan. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

A person pours sugar from a bowl into a pot of red liquid while whisking on a stovetop.

STEP 4

Chill the Gelo di Melone
Pour the cooled mixture into your favorite glasses or dessert dishes. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours until set.

STEP 5

Prepare the whipped cream
In a medium bowl, blend the heavy cream and sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form.

STEP 6

Serve
Take the Gelo di Melone out of the refrigerator. Top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Garnish with chopped pistachios and chocolate chips.

The market