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

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.

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.

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.

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