Papaya-Lime Hawaiian Shaved Ice

The perfect way to cool down on summer day, shaved ice (or “shave ice,” as it’s also known) is extremely popular in Hawaii, where it’s often topped with syrups made from tropical fruit, such as lychee, mango, guava or passion fruit. Here we make a simple flavored syrup from pureed papaya, lime juice and sugar for a sweet-tart treat to beat the heat. The syrup can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.

 

Papaya-Lime Hawaiian Shaved Ice

 

Ingredients

 

For the syrup:

• 2 cups (12 oz./375 g) diced papaya
• Grated zest and juice of 2 limes
• 2 cups (1 lb./500 g) sugar
• 1/3 cup (3 fl. oz./80 ml) fresh Key lime juice

For assembling:

• Ice for shaving
• 1 cup (7 oz./210 g) finely diced papaya
• 1/2 cup (2 oz./60 g) toasted flaked coconut
• 8 paper-thin lime slices (optional)

Directions

 

1. To make the syrup, in a bowl, combine the papaya, lime zest and juice, and 1 cup (8 oz./250 g) of the sugar. Toss to combine and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Transfer the contents of the bowl to a blender and add 1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) water and the remaining 1 cup (8 oz./250 g) sugar. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

 

2. Pour the papaya mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in the Key lime juice.

 

3. To serve, use a Hawaiian ice shaver to make enough shaved ice to fill 8 short tumblers or paper cones. Fill the tumblers with the shaved ice. Divide the syrup evenly among the tumblers, pouring it evenly over the shaved ice. Sprinkle the finely diced papaya and coconut on top of the shaved ice, dividing them evenly. Garnish each serving with a lime slice, if desired, and serve immediately. Serves 8.

 

Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen