Balkan Lemon Granita

Ingredients

In the Balkan adaptation of the Italian Granita al limone, we incorporate the traditional Balkan preference for a sweeter taste. While the original Italian version tends to be more tart, the Balkan Lemon Granita strikes a balance between sweetness and tanginess. Additionally, the Balkan version may use local varieties of lemons, which can have a slightly different flavor profile compared to Italian lemons. We alse have the original recipe for Granita al limone, so you can check it out.

• 6 lemons, juiced (180ml / 3/4 cup lemon juice) 6 lemons, juiced (180ml / 3/4 cup lemon juice)
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 45g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
2. 2.
   Once the syrup has cooled, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish and place it in the freezer.
4. 4.
   Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals that form. Repeat this process for about 3-4 hours, or until the granita has a slushy texture.
5. 5.
   Once the granita is ready, transfer it to serving bowls or glasses and garnish with a slice of lemon, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemons — Choose ripe and juicy lemons for the best flavor. Roll them gently on a countertop before juicing to release more juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist of flavor, add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water to the syrup before freezing.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the granita mixture in a blender before freezing.
• Serve the granita with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness.
• Experiment with different citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits for unique variations of Balkan granita.
• To make it more indulgent, serve the granita with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan Lemon Granita in chilled bowls or glasses to keep it cool for longer. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, serve the granita in a hollowed-out lemon shell. Simply cut a small portion off the bottom of a lemon to create a stable base, then cut off the top and scoop out the flesh. Fill the hollowed-out lemon with the granita and serve with a spoon.