Description
Enjoy the refreshing taste of Lemon and Basil Granita, a light and citrusy frozen dessert perfect for hot summer days. This Italian-inspired treat combines the zing of fresh lemon with the subtle sweetness of basil for a delightful palate cleanser.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Granita:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For Garnish:
- Extra basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat.
- Add the chopped basil to the hot syrup and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup into a medium bowl, discarding the basil leaves.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer.
- After 45 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals. Repeat this every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours until the granita is fluffy and fully frozen.
- Serve in chilled glasses, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter flavor, use half lemon juice and half orange juice.
- You can also infuse the syrup with mint instead of basil for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
