Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon and Basil Granita is not only delicious but also comes with several reasons to make it your next go-to dessert:
- Simple and Quick – With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this granita is easy to make in under 15 minutes.
- Refreshing Flavor – The combination of lemon’s bright tanginess and basil’s fresh, slightly peppery flavor creates a unique and invigorating taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Light and Fluffy Texture – The granita’s distinctive flaky texture makes each bite light and airy, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier desserts.
- Make-Ahead – Since it’s frozen and can be stored for hours, you can prepare this dessert in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your meal or gather with friends and family.
- Beautiful and Impressive – Served in chilled bowls or glasses, this granita is visually appealing and looks just as good as it tastes, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
To make Lemon and Basil Granita, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- Zest of 2 lemons
- A pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your refreshing Lemon and Basil Granita:
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Basil: In a blender, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Mixture: Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the mixture into a shallow dish to remove the basil leaves and any solids.
- Freeze: Place the shallow dish in the freezer. After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture to begin creating a flaky texture. Continue scraping every 30 minutes until the granita is fully frozen and fluffy, which will take about 2-3 hours.
- Serve: Once the granita reaches the desired texture, serve it in chilled bowls or glasses. Use a fork to fluff the granita just before serving to ensure it’s light and airy.
Servings and Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (excluding freezing time)
- Freezing Time: 2-3 hours (with scraping every 30 minutes)
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Mint and Lemon: Swap basil for fresh mint leaves for a different herbal twist. Mint pairs beautifully with lemon, creating a cool and fragrant dessert.
- Berry Infusion: Add a handful of fresh berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) to the mixture before blending for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Honey or Agave: If you prefer a natural sweetener, substitute the granulated sugar with honey or agave syrup for a more earthy sweetness.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit to mix up the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover granita in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for up to a week, but be sure to scrape it with a fork before serving to restore its fluffy texture.
- Reheating: Granita is meant to be served frozen, so there’s no need to reheat. Just scrape it and serve directly from the freezer.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use fresh lemon juice, but you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary. Freshly squeezed juice will give the granita a more vibrant and authentic taste.
2. Can I make this granita without basil?
Yes, you can make a simple lemon granita without basil. Simply omit the basil and follow the same process for a refreshing lemon-only version.
3. Can I prepare this dessert the day before?
Yes, you can make the granita a day ahead of time. Just scrape it once or twice before serving to ensure the right texture.
4. How do I get the perfect flaky texture?
The key to a fluffy granita texture is scraping it every 30 minutes as it freezes. This breaks up the ice crystals and ensures the granita stays light and airy.
5. Can I use a different type of herb?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a more unique herbal flavor.
6. Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, this Lemon and Basil Granita is naturally gluten-free, making it a great dessert option for those with gluten sensitivities.
7. Can I add alcohol to this granita?
Yes! For an adult twist, you can add a splash of rum, vodka, or limoncello to the mixture before freezing. This will create a slightly softer texture and add a fun flavor dimension.
8. How can I make the granita sweeter?
If you like your granita sweeter, simply increase the amount of sugar or substitute it with honey or agave for a different sweetness.
9. How can I make this granita dairy-free?
This granita is naturally dairy-free, so you don’t need to make any substitutions. It’s a refreshing treat for those who avoid dairy.
10. Can I use frozen basil?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen basil if that’s all you have. Just ensure it’s well-thawed before blending.
Conclusion
Lemon and Basil Granita is a refreshing and delicious dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of lemon with the aromatic freshness of basil. Simple to make and even easier to enjoy, this frozen treat is ideal for hot weather or whenever you crave something cool and light. Its light, flaky texture and vibrant flavors will leave you feeling refreshed, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Treat yourself and your guests to this bright, zesty dessert that’s sure to impress!
Print
Lemon and Basil Granita: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Lemon and Basil Granita is a refreshing and vibrant frozen dessert that combines the tangy flavor of fresh lemons with the aromatic infusion of basil. Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser, this simple yet flavorful treat is light, fluffy, and cooling.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4–6 lemons)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
Zest of 2 lemons
A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- In a blender, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture into a shallow dish to remove the basil leaves and any solids.
- Place the shallow dish in the freezer. After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture to begin creating a flaky texture. Continue scraping every 30 minutes until the granita is fully frozen and fluffy, about 2-3 hours.
- Once the granita reaches the desired texture, serve it in chilled bowls or glasses. Use a fork to fluff the granita just before serving to ensure it’s light and airy.
Notes
Try swapping basil for mint for a different herbal flavor.
For a sweeter version, increase the sugar or substitute with honey or agave syrup.
For an adult twist, add rum, vodka, or limoncello before freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
