Refreshing Lemon Granita

Ingredients

• 6 large lemons, juiced and zested 6 large lemons, juiced and zested
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 cups (710ml) water 3 cups (710ml) water
• 1 tablespoon vodka (optional) 1 tablespoon vodka (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 45g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooled syrup. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   If using vodka, add it to the lemon mixture and stir.
4. 4.
   Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish.
5. 5.
   Place the dish in the freezer and let it freeze for about 1 hour.
6. 6.
   After 1 hour, remove the dish from the freezer and use a fork to scrape the partially frozen mixture, breaking up any ice crystals.
7. 7.
   Return the dish to the freezer and repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, or until the granita has a fluffy, icy texture.
8. 8.
   Once the granita is fully frozen and fluffy, it is ready to be served.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemons — Choose ripe, juicy lemons for the best flavor. Roll them on the countertop before juicing to extract more juice. Use a microplane grater to zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a splash of limoncello liqueur to the granita mixture for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
• Serve the granita in chilled glasses for an extra refreshing experience.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the granita mixture in a blender before freezing.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a lemon slice for an elegant presentation.
• Experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits to create different variations of granita.

Serving advice

Serve the Lemon Granita in chilled glasses or bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon twist. Enjoy it as a light and refreshing dessert or as a palate cleanser between courses.

Presentation advice

To present the Lemon Granita beautifully, use clear glass bowls or dessert glasses to showcase the vibrant yellow color. Add a lemon slice or a sprig of mint on top for an elegant touch. Serve on a chilled plate or tray to keep the granita cool.