Sicilian Watermelon Jelly Recipe (Gelo di Melone)
Looking for an authentic Italian summer dessert with few ingredients? Sicilian Watermelon Jelly (Gelo di Anguria or Gelo di Melone) is the answer for you! It's refreshing, quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
Servings: 4
Calories: 99kcal
Equipment
- Medium-Sized Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon juice, strained (about 4 cups of cubed watermelon)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- pinch cinnamon powder
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips (for serving)
- 1 tbsp pistachios (for serving)
Instructions
- Start by blending the watermelon.
- Strain the watermelon juice into a medium saucepan --- you need 2 cups of liquid for this recipe.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon powder, and cornstarch; then mix to dissolve both the sugar and cornstarch.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat into medium and use a whisk to mix the watermelon until it thickens. (It typically takes 5 to 7 minutes.)
- Pour the watermelon jelly mixture into the molds.
- Use an angled spatula (or teaspoon) to even the top of the jelly.
- Set aside to cool, then place the molds into the refrigerator for about 3 hours to chill.
- Remove the watermelon jelly from the molds and transfer it to a plate.
- Garnish with crushed pistachio and chocolate chips, then serve.
Video
Notes
- Cook's Tip #1: You can also use a food processor, a juicer, or a stick blender to puree the watermelon -- but don't forget to strain it after.
- Cook's Tip #2: Make sure to taste the watermelon juice before adding the sugar. Since the sweetness of the watermelon will vary, you need to adjust the amount of sugar to add accordingly.
- Cook's Tip #3: Ramekins can also be used as molds. Just make sure you cover them tightly before placing them in the refrigerator.
- Variation #1: Potato starch - it's an excellent alternative to cornstarch.
- Variation #2: Chocolate shavings - instead of using chocolate chips, you can use a grater, a peeler, or a knife to create dark chocolate shavings.
- Variation #3: Cinnamon stick - replace the powder with at least half of the cinnamon stick and remove it when transferring the watermelon jelly into the molds.
- Variation #4: Toasted pistachios - for a slight twist, you can toast the pistachios in the oven or on the stovetop before adding them as garnish.
Nutrition
Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 440IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg