Pineapple Granita with Chile and Mint

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. One 46-ounce can pineapple juice (5 3/4 cups)
2. 1/3 cup sugar
3. 8 mint sprigs, plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
4. 2 small Thai red chiles—1 coarsely chopped, 1 seeded and minced
5. Salt

1. In a large saucepan, combine the pineapple juice with the sugar, mint sprigs, coarsely chopped chile and a pinch of salt. Simmer over moderately high heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes to cool slightly.
2. Strain the pineapple juice into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Stir in the chopped mint and the minced chile. Freeze until the mixture is icy around the edges, about 1 hour. Using a fork, scrape the icy shards into the center. Continue to freeze, stirring occasionally, until icy throughout, about 3 hours longer. Scoop the granita into bowls and serve.