One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet

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Summer calls for making dessert *without* turning on the oven
one-ingredient-watermelon-sorbet
Erin Cameron/PureWow

You've stopped blow-drying your hair, you're hardly wearing shoes and you haven't turned on the oven in weeks. That's right: It's barbecue season. If you're seeking the ultimate way to cool off at a cookout without committing your digestive system to a gargantuan ice cream cone, turn to this hydrating, gut-friendly, one-ingredient watermelon sorbet recipe that doesn't require a moment of baking or cooking.

Preparing it is as simple as freezing cubed watermelon until solid, blending it smooth, packing the purée in a pan and freezing it again. In a few hours, the modest summer fruit (that's great for digestion and nourishing gut bacteria) will be transformed into a scoopable, refreshing sorbet that's naturally sweetened without the help of added sugar.

The key here is picking a ripe watermelon for maximum flavor and color. Its exterior should be deep green, and the ground spot—or where the watermelon once rested on the soil—should be a creamy yellow, not white or pale green. Tap the ground spot; if the sound is deep and hollow, it's ready to purchase. (P.S.: We think seeded watermelons have better flavor, but if you can't be bothered with seeds, pick one that's seedless. Even better, use our handy guide for cutting watermelon like a pro to minimize cleanup.)

Want more gut-friendly inspo? Explore the full collection of recipes from The Uninterrupted Plate series here.

Ingredients

1 medium watermelon; peeled, cubed and seeded

Directions

1. Arrange the watermelon in an even layer on a baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze until the watermelon is solid, about 2 hours.

2. Working in batches, transfer the watermelon to a blender or food processor and purée it until smooth.

3. Divide the purée between two loaf pans (or put it all in one deep baking dish), packing it down as you add more on top.

4. Transfer the pans to the freezer. Freeze until the sorbet is scoopable, 1 to 2 hours more. To serve, scoop the sorbet into dishes and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Facts

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    Note: The information shown is Edamam's estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

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