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.

Lemon 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.

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.

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.

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.

Here are some other easy summer recipes you may enjoy:

• Vinegar Based Coleslaw
• No-Mayo Potato Salad
• Lemon Blueberry No-Churn Ice Cream

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Lemon Basil Granita

Prep Time

3 hrs

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

3 hrs 15 mins

 

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.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 102 kcal

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

1. Add the water, sugar, lemon zest, and basil to a medium sauce pan. Over medium heat bring the mixture to a boil. 

2. 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.

3. 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. 

4. 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.

5. Scoop into dessert dishes and serve.

Recipe 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.