Watermelon, Chili And Basil Ice Pops

Serves: 5

Lelia Marks

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

46

Spice

48

Sweetness

46

Sourness

41

mins

Prep time (avg)

5

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 cup

Sugar

2 tbsps

Kosher Salt

Directions:

1

Special equipment: Four 4-ounce ice-pop molds or six 3-ounce molds, 4 or 6 ice-pop sticks Bring the sugar and 1/4 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan

2

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely melted, about 5 minutes

3

Turn off the heat, add the basil and stir until completely wilted

4

Let cool completely at room temperature, at least 30 minutes

5

Meanwhile, finely mince the chile (seeded for less heat, if desired)

6

Add the salt to the minced chile, and run your knife through the mixture several times until the salt starts to turn light pink; set aside

7

Put the watermelon and lime juice in a blender

8

Strain the basil syrup into the blender, pressing the basil in the strainer with the back of a spoon to extract as much flavor as possible; discard the basil

9

Puree the watermelon mixture until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender partway through if needed

10

Transfer the mixture to a large liquid measuring cup with a pouring spout

11

Pour the mixture into the ice-pop molds, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top (the mixture will expand)

12

Insert the sticks

13

Freeze until solid, 5 hours to overnight

14

Unmold, and sprinkle 1 or both sides of the pops with the chili salt, depending on how spicy you want your pops

15

Serve immediately with any remaining chili salt on the side