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
