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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Wow thats an unusual recipe Mireille!Its nice how colorful it is, that too without anything artificial in there.
Wow love that look and texture of your jello…and your presentation looks fabulous!
We loved this dessert when I tried it last year. The color is so vibrant and appetizing.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Such a tempting presentation for the jello. Shall have to try it soon.
Very interesting jello recipe with watermelon. Love your clicks.
Watermelon jello looks so tempting.The colors ,the set up and clicks everything looks beautiful.
Omg, i want this absolutely glossy and gorgeous jello, soo tempting.
What a stunning dessert from watermelon, looks ravishing.
It looks beautiful and mouth watering! Love it
Coming here from Food Blog Stars 🙂 That is a great recipe to revisit Mir. Jello looks so yummy!!
thanks Pavani but in the future with FBS, if you have already commented you can simply comment on any other post 🙂
This sounds absolutely amazing, and I bet it would taste even better on a hot summer Sicilian day!
Absolutely but until I make it to Sicily, I can still enjoy it in NYC and pretend I’m there 🙂
Wow, what incredible flavors in here! I love the addition of the jasmine.
yes – it is definitely a unique twist!
I have never seen anything like this before, but it looks and sounds delicious! It would be a great summer treat for the kids. Thanks for sharing!
yes and you can feel good that it is an all natural treat!
I’ve never heard of this but I want to make it!
I am sure you will love it!
Sounds so yum Mir. Will try making it next season as for us summer is over
Yes – I just bought a watermelon yesterday and I think I am going to make it again!
I love this idea–the finished dish looks absolutely delicious!
it is – full of natural fruit flavor
Wow, this looks good! I never tried Sicilian jello, but this I’d love to try!
I am sure you will love it – calling it jello actually does it a disservice with connotations of those boxed versions
Never tried Sicilian food before so this lovely display has given me a reason to try it.
I am sure you will love this delicious summer treat!
This is a great recipe, I love watermelon flavor and at first, I thought you used gelatin by the title but I love that you used cornstarch so I’m definitely trying it. Perfect summer treat!
yes this natural jello bears no resemblance to the jello you are used to. I am sure you will love this summer treat.
Great recipe!
thank you