Grilled Watermelon Ice Cream

As the temperatures rise and summer days stretch longer, the quest for cool, refreshing treats becomes a delightful adventure. In recent years, the world of ice cream has expanded beyond traditional flavors, embracing unique and innovative combinations that tantalize the taste buds. Among these, grilled watermelon ice cream stands out as a refreshing and innovative option that captures the essence of summer in every scoop. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with the creamy texture of ice cream, creating a delightful treat that is both unexpected and utterly satisfying.

Beat the summer heat with a delicious twist on a classic dessert: grilled watermelon ice cream! This innovative treat combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with creamy ice cream, enhanced by grilling that caramelizes the sugars for a unique flavor. Featuring ingredients like coconut cream, lime juice, and a hint of sea salt, this refreshing recipe is perfect for summer gatherings. Discover how to create delightful flavors and impress your family and friends with this unexpected, yet satisfying, summer delight. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day, this dessert will be a hit at any barbecue!

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Ingredients

4 cups ripe watermelon, cut into cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

1 cup coconut cream (or heavy cream for a non-vegan option)

½ cup sweetened condensed milk (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves and lime zest for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Watermelon: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes with the olive oil and sea salt. Toss gently until all pieces are well coated.

Grill the Watermelon: Once the grill is hot, carefully place the watermelon cubes directly onto the grill grates. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop attractive grill marks and start to caramelize slightly. After grilling, remove the watermelon from the grill and allow it to cool completely.

Blend the Ice Cream Base: In a blender, mix together the cooled grilled watermelon, lime juice, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

Chill the Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing it to become thoroughly chilled. This step is crucial for achieving a creamier texture when you freeze it.

Churn the Ice Cream: If you own an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into it and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes. In the absence of an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it directly in the freezer.

Freeze the Ice Cream: For those using an ice cream maker, once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours until it reaches a firm consistency. If not using an ice cream maker, stir the mixture every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming, then leave it to freeze until completely solid.

Serve: After the ice cream has frozen and is firm, scoop generous portions into bowls or ice cream cones. For an enticing presentation, add garnishes of fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of lime zest on top.

Enjoy: Gather your friends and family to enjoy this delightful and refreshing grilled watermelon ice cream—perfect for summery days!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6