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Lemon Basil Granita

August 7, 2017 By Dawn 11 Comments

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Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a hot summer day.

Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a hoLemon Basil Granita a simple granita recipe made with only four ingredients and is perfect for a light dessert. The lemon and basil make this dessert refreshing and it does not weigh you down.

When I was a kid my sister and I got a snow-cone machine for I think for a Christmas gift. That was many years ago, but if my memory serves me correctly it was in a shape of a snowman. In the stomach of the snowman, there was a device that shaved ice cubes as you turned the crank in the back.

After you had the ice shaved you poured flavored syrup over the ice before serving it. We thought it was the best back in the day.

Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a ho

Lemon Basil Granita

We had so much fun making snow cones for everyone in the family.  Did you have one of these when you were a kid?

Well, to tell the truth, I thought that granita would be like the snow cones that my sister and I made years ago. Let me tell you that I was totally wrong. I am not sure why I thought it, but that I kind of envisioned.

Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a ho

Lemon Basil Granita

So let me tell you how this lemon basil granita is made. It all starts with water, sugar, lemon zest, and basil. Simple, right? This mixture is brought to a boil and then the heat is turned down and it simmers for five minutes.

Once it has simmered, the mixture is removed from the heat and covered and left to steep for 15 minutes. After the steeping stage, the mixture is strained and lemon juice is added.

It is cooled for about 10 to 15 minutes then refrigerated until it is cold. Once it is cold it is poured into a bread pan and put in the freezer. Then every 30 minutes it is scraped with a fork to form the ice crystals.

Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a ho

Lemon Basil Granita

This makes the ice light and fluffy. After about 2 hours the granita is ready to serve. Add to bowls or dessert dishes and serve immediately.

As I mentioned before the lemon basil granita is a simple dessert but at the same time somewhat elegant. As you take a bite you get a burst of the lemon flavor and as the ice melts in your mouth the flavor of the basil comes through. Perfect for when you are looking for a light dessert, but something that is refreshing and full of flavor.

Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a ho

Lemon Basil Granita

Here are some other easy summer recipes you may enjoy:

  • Vinegar Based Coleslaw
  • No-Mayo Potato Salad
  • Lemon Blueberry No-Churn Ice Cream
Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a ho

Lemon Basil Granita

Lemon Basil Granita a cool light dessert which features a burst of lemon flavor and a taste of basil perfect for a hot summer day.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Dawn

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Zest from one lemon
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  • Add the water, sugar, lemon zest, and basil to a medium sauce pan. Over medium heat bring the mixture to a boil. 
  • Once the mixture comes to a boil turn the heat down slightly and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat after the 5 minutes and cover. Let this mixture steep for 15 minutes.
  • Strain the mixture into a bread pan and discard the lemon zest and basil leaves. 
    Add the lemon juice. Cool for about 10 minutes and set in the refrigerator. 
  • Once the mixture is chilled move it to the freezer. After 30 minutes take a fork and scrape the ice off of the sides of the bread pan. Continue this process until the mixture is frozen.
  • Scoop into dessert dishes and serve.

Notes

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest of the lemon. Remove just the color part of the zest.
This can be made the day before it is served. Use a fork to fluff up the ice and scoop into dessert dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal

 

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Filed Under: Desserts Tagged With: basil, granita, ice, lemon

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Comments

  1. Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat

    August 7, 2017 at 8:44 am

    This looks so refreshing! I LOVE lemon anything! And we have plenty of basil growing in our garden to make many of these beauties! Yum, yum, yum! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

    August 7, 2017 at 9:36 am

    This sounds so delicious and refreshing! I haven’t had a snow cone in forever. . .but I think I’d like a granita better than a snow cone anyway :). Have a great week, Dawn!

    Reply
  3. [email protected]'s Recipes

    August 7, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    So refreshing! Perfect for summer time.

    Reply
  4. Liz

    August 7, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    This sounds like the perfect treat on a hot summer’s day!!! So cool and delish!

    Reply
  5. Amy (Savory Moments)

    August 8, 2017 at 5:16 am

    This is such an elegant and refreshing summer dessert!

    Reply
  6. cheri

    August 8, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Dawn, I always wanted one of those snow cone machines when I was a kid, oh I bet you had so much fun with your sister. Love, love this lemon granita, sounds divine. Pinned!

    Reply
  7. John/Kitchen Riffs

    August 8, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    Love lemon anything. And at this time of the year, a granita is wonderful — really helps cool one down. This is great — thanks so much.

    Reply
  8. GiGi Eats

    August 8, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    5 stars
    TALK ABOUT a REFRESHING summmerrrr afternoon beverage!!! I would enjoy it with a spoon! LOL!

    Reply
  9. David @ Spiced

    August 9, 2017 at 6:45 am

    We totally had one of those ice shavers when we were kids, too! Actually, I think we had several…I kept burning out the motors in them. Haha. Good to know that I can recreate that shaved ice without an extra gadget. And I love the flavors you’ve got going on here, Dawn! Perfect summer dessert right there. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Megan | 3 Scoops of Sugar

    August 9, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    I have always wanted to try granita and this flavor sounds delicious!! There is no better treat than this when it is scorching hot out there!! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Crafty Cooking Mama

    August 15, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    I love lemon! This is definitely the perfect summertime dessert ♥

    Reply

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Dawn

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My name is Dawn! I am a wife, mom, grandma and the blogger behind Words of Deliciousness! I love sharing my favorite recipes and I hope some of these become your favorites too.
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