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Watermelon Jelly

17/11/2023

Watermelon Jelly, or “Gelu di muluni” in Sicilian, is a typical refreshing Sicilian dessert, ideal for hot summer days. Here is the recipe to prepare this delicious specialty.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of watermelon (cleaned and seedless)
  • 100 g of sugar (or to taste, depending on the sweetness of the watermelon)
  • 40 g of cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 1 packet of vanillin or the seeds of a vanilla pod
  • Dark chocolate shavings or chips (optional, to simulate watermelon seeds)
  • Chopped pistachios or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Cut the watermelon into pieces, removing all the seeds, then blend the pulp to obtain a smooth juice. Strain the juice through a sieve to remove any filaments or seed residues.
  2. Pour the watermelon juice into a pot, add the sugar and cornstarch. Mix well until the starch and sugar are completely dissolved.
  3. Put the pot on the stove and cook over moderate heat, stirring continuously with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
  4. When the mixture begins to thicken and boil (it should reach the consistency of a cream), remove from the heat and add the vanillin or vanilla seeds, stirring well to evenly flavor.
  5. Pour the jelly into cups or a baking tray, leveling the surface well, and let it cool for a few minutes.
  6. Before the jelly sets completely, if you wish, decorate it with dark chocolate shavings randomly placed to simulate seeds. This step is optional but adds a touch of realism to the presentation.
  7. Let the watermelon jelly cool completely in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours.
  8. When serving, if you used a single tray, cut the jelly into cubes or diamonds and decorate each portion with chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of cinnamon, according to taste.

Curiosity

This delicious dessert has ancient origins, and it is said to have been already appreciated at the court of the Arab emirs of Sicily. The simplicity of the ingredients and its soft consistency make it a light and hydrating end to a meal, perfect for concluding a summer dinner.

Enjoy your meal and enjoy the freshness of this Sicilian sweet!