If you are craving a refreshing and irresistibly light treat, this Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright citrus flavor and aromatic hints of fresh basil, this frozen delicacy is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and herbaceous notes. It’s incredibly easy to make yet feels like a fancy dessert that will wow anyone lucky enough to taste it. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot day or looking for a palate cleanser, this granita brings a burst of sunshine and freshness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, just a handful of simple ingredients come together beautifully to create this delightful Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in shaping the vibrant taste, smooth texture, and lovely color of the final dish.
- 1 cup water: The base of the simple syrup, providing the perfect balance of moisture for freezing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the granita without overpowering the natural lemon and basil flavors.
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4-6 lemons): Offers bright, zesty citrus that makes the granita feel fresh and lively.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed: Infuses subtle herbaceous notes and a beautiful green tint to the mixture.
- Zest of 2 lemons: Adds concentrated lemon oils for extra zing and aromatic depth.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop with brightness.
How to Make Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe
Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
Start by combining water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved into a smooth syrup. Once ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This simple syrup is crucial as it sweetens the granita evenly and helps it freeze with the perfect texture.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Pour the cooled simple syrup into your blender, along with the fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, lemon zest, and that pinch of salt. Blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth. This step ensures that the basil releases its flavor fully while maintaining a lovely balance with the lemon.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
For the smoothest and most refreshing texture, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow dish. This removes any basil bits or zest, leaving behind a silky liquid that’s ready for freezing.
Step 4: Freeze and Scrape
Place the dish in the freezer and let it chill for about 30 minutes. At this point, grab a fork and scrape the semi-frozen edges toward the center. Repeat this scraping every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours until the granita becomes a fluffy, flaky frozen treat. This scraping process is what gives granita its signature icy texture — light, airy, and irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once fully frozen and fluffed, scoop the Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe into chilled bowls or glasses. Fluff it one last time with a fork so that every bite feels fresh and full of texture. Now you’re ready to dive into a bowl of pure, refreshing bliss!
How to Serve Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation that also enhances taste, consider garnishing your granita with a sprig of fresh basil or a thin lemon slice. These add a hint of color and a fragrant touch that invites people to savor every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe pairs wonderfully with light summer salads, grilled seafood, or even a simple cheese platter. Its cooling effect and zesty profile make it an ideal palate cleanser or a refreshing end to a meal that’s rich or spicy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the granita in hollowed-out lemon halves for a festive look or layer it between glasses with fresh berries and mint for a more elaborate treat. You can also use small espresso cups for bite-sized servings — perfect for parties or as a palate refresher between courses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe, keep it covered in a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within a week for the brightest flavor and best texture.
Freezing
This granita freezes very well thanks to its simple ingredients. Just remember to fluff it with a fork every 30 minutes if you make a larger batch, to maintain that flaky texture. Once fully frozen, you can leave it in the freezer until ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheating granita isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, allow any frozen leftovers to soften briefly at room temperature and then fluff again before serving to bring back its airy texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is ideal for this recipe because it offers bright, vibrant flavor and aroma that dried basil cannot match. If you must use dried basil, use much less since it is more concentrated, but the granita won’t be as fresh in taste or color.
How can I make the granita less sweet?
You can decrease the sugar slightly in the simple syrup, but keep in mind that sugar also affects the freezing texture. A small reduction is fine, but too little sugar might make the granita icy and hard rather than flaky and soft.
Is it possible to make the granita vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It contains only plant-based and gluten-free ingredients, making it a perfect treat for many dietary preferences.
Can I substitute lemon with lime?
Lime can work as a substitute if you want a different citrus twist, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Lemon’s bright, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with basil, creating the classic refreshing taste lemon lovers expect.
How long does the granita last once thawed?
Granita tastes best fresh and doesn’t last long once thawed because it will melt and lose its texture. Consume it within a few hours after thawing for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe — it’s simple, elegant, and wonderfully refreshing all at once. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it yourself and experience the burst of fresh lemon and delicate basil dancing on your taste buds. Once you do, it might just become your go-to treat to brighten up any sunny day!
Print
Lemon and Basil Granita Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing and Scraping (No-Cook with Freezing technique)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Lemon and Basil Granita combines zesty lemon juice with aromatic fresh basil, creating a light and icy dessert perfect for warm weather. The sweet simple syrup balances the tartness, while the freezing and scraping process results in a flaky, fluffy texture that’s delightful on the palate.
Ingredients
Granita Base
- 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
- Make Simple Syrup: 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.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Strain Mixture: Strain the blended mixture into a shallow dish to remove the basil leaves and any solids, ensuring a smooth texture for the granita.
- Freeze and Scrape: 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 total freezing time.
- Serve: Once the granita reaches the desired light and airy texture, serve it in chilled bowls or glasses. Fluff the granita with a fork just before serving to enhance its flaky consistency.
Notes
- For best basil flavor, use fresh, vibrant basil leaves.
- Ensure the simple syrup is completely cooled before blending to preserve freshness.
- Scraping is key to achieving the granita’s signature flaky texture; do not skip this step.
- You can adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet or more tart granita.
- Store leftover granita in the freezer; scrape again before serving to restore texture.
