Last Updated on July 16, 2022 by Chef Mireille
Gelo di Melone – Sicilian Watermelon Dessert is an all natural watermelon pudding dessert made without gelatin – a Sicilian favorite! This homemade jello has way more flavor than any box brand you use, full of fresh fruit flavor.
If you are looking for more delicious Watermelon Recipes, don’t forget to check out some more Watermelon Recipes here – both sweet and savory watermelon recipes.
This is a traditional Sicilian dessert, especially served during the festival of Ferragosto. I have celebrated Ferragosto here in the Bronx’s Little Italy several times, but never noticed this treat. I did not have the opportunity to attend this year because I was working, but I am definitely going to try to attend next year and will be on the lookout for Gelo di Melone and see how mine compares.
This treat is a result of Sicily being under Arab rule from the 9th-11th centuries. Sicily is a unique fusion culture of both Christian and Arab cultural traditions, especially on the western part of the island where the Arab influence remains strong to this day. This dessert is one example of how the multi-cultural island creates culinary synergy.
…but before we get to today’s recipe, let’s check out some other Italian treats…
Italian Desserts
- Italian Orange Cake
- Gubana – Sweet Bread
- Fiorentini – #GlutenFree Chocolate Cookies
- Tuscan Coffee Cake
- Sbrisilona – Almond Cookie Cake
How to Make Sicilian Gelo Di Melone
This is a great summertime treat – when juicy watermelon’s are readily available everywhere!
Such a simple dessert that will be loved by the whole family!
This all natural Watermelon Pudding does not firm as tightly as store bought packaged jello you might be used to, but the taste is far superior with fresh watermelon juice, instead of artificial colors and flavors.
Gelo di Melone – Sicilian Watermelon Gelatin
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups watermelon puree strained
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon jasmine extract or rosewater
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 skinny cinnamon stick
- shelled pistachios garnish
- grated chocolate garnish
- candied fruit optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, pour about 1/3 cup of the watermelon puree. Add cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
- Combine with the rest of the watermelon puree in a saucepan. Add sugar, jasmine, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- Simmer on medium heat, stirring constantly, for 20 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick.
- Rinse 4 ramekins, but do not dry them. This will make it easier to remove from the molds after they chill.
- Divide the watermelon among 4 ramekins. Put in refrigerator and chill overnight.
- Unmold the jello and garnish with the pistacchios, chocolate and candied fruit, if using.
Notes
Nutrition
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Between Watching Golden Girls and reading this recipe, I’m convinced I must get to Sicily one day! Until then, I will have to make this and get a taste of an Italian treat!
🙂 – you had me LOL at Golden Girls and reminding me about Sophia and all her Sicilian references. This treat will definitely give you a little piece of Sicily until you get there!
Thanks for the recipe.