Tomato-Jalapeno Granita

Name: Tomato-Jalapeno Granita
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups tomato juice; 1/3 cup sugar; 4 mint sprigs; 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; Fresh mint leaves, optional

Everyone will say "wow" after one taste of this refreshing, icy appetizer. Even my grandchildren enjoy the tomato, mint and lime flavors. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

2 cups tomato juice
1/3 cup sugar
4 mint sprigs
1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons lime juice
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring the tomato juice, sugar, mint sprigs and jalapeno to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
Strain and discard solids. Stir in lime juice. Transfer to a 1-qt. dish; cool to room temperature. Freeze for 1 hour; stir with a fork.
Freeze 2-3 hours longer or until completely frozen, stirring every 30 minutes. Scrape granita with a fork just before serving; spoon into dessert dishes. Garnish with additional mint if desired.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1/3 cup: 59 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.

Originally published as Tomato-Jalapeno Granita in Taste of Home June/July 2009