Chai Latte Granita

Chai Latte Granita Recipe | Vegetarian Food from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chai Latte Granita is a refreshing and flavorful frozen dessert that combines the rich and aromatic flavors of chai tea with the icy texture of a granita. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days when you need a cool and satisfying treat.

History

Granita is a traditional Italian dessert that dates back to the 16th century. It is made by freezing a mixture of water, sugar, and flavorings, and then scraping it with a fork to create a light and fluffy texture. Chai Latte Granita puts a modern twist on this classic dessert by infusing it with the warm and spicy flavors of chai tea.

Ingredients

8 cups water
2 inches fresh ginger, unpeeled and chopped coarse
1 whole star anise
1 3–4 inch cinnamon stick
0.5 vanilla bean, split
0.75 cup honey
2 tbsp black tea or decaf tea
1 cup milk or soy milk
whipped cream (optional)
cinnamon (optional)

How to prepare

In a large pot, combine water, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and vanilla. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 40 minutes.
Add honey, tea, and milk to the pot. Bring the mixture back to a boil and then remove from heat.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Strain it using a fine strainer or through a strainer lined with a paper towel or cheesecloth.
Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
Pour the chilled mixture into a 9 x 13 inches pan or a pan large enough to fit in your freezer shelf. Freeze it.
When the mixture is almost frozen, scrape it with a fork to break it up. Return it to the freezer and freeze for another 1.5 to 2 hours.
Scrape the mixture again with a fork and return it to the freezer until fully frozen.
To serve, either serve it directly from the pan or transfer it to a plastic container. If serving later, allow it to melt slightly, then scrape it again with a fork before serving.
Garnish with whipped cream and ground cinnamon, if desired.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of soy milk.
Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult twist on this dessert.
Experiment with different spices such as cardamom or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh ginger and whole spices for the best flavor in this recipe.

- Straining the mixture before freezing will help remove any solids and create a smoother texture.

- For a creamier texture, you can substitute the soy milk with heavy cream or coconut milk.

- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chai Latte Granita in chilled glasses or bowls for a refreshing and elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect granita is to scrape the mixture with a fork every hour or so while it freezes. This will help create a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole spices on hand, you can use ground spices instead. Simply reduce the amount by half to account for the stronger flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chai Latte Granita can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the freezer. Simply scrape with a fork before serving to fluff up the texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chai Latte Granita in chilled martini glasses for a sophisticated presentation. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Chai Latte Granita pairs well with spicy or savory dishes such as Indian curries or grilled meats. It also makes a delicious accompaniment to fruit salads or chocolate desserts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chai Latte Granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Allow it to thaw slightly before serving, and fluff up the texture with a fork.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chai Latte Granita contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chai Latte Granita contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chai Latte Granita contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chai Latte Granita contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chai Latte Granita is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Chai Latte Granita is a low-fat and low-calorie dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins. It is a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

Summary

Chai Latte Granita is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the exotic flavors of chai tea with the icy texture of a granita. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this cool and satisfying treat on a hot summer day!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day, and my dear friend Martha had invited me over for a cup of tea in her garden. As we sat sipping our chai lattes, she suddenly mentioned that she had recently discovered a new way to enjoy this beloved beverage - in the form of a chai latte granita.

I was curious and eager to learn more, so Martha graciously invited me into her kitchen to show me how it was done. She pulled out her trusty recipe book, a worn and loved collection of family recipes passed down through the generations. Flipping through the pages, she found the page she was looking for and handed it to me with a smile.

The recipe called for a few simple ingredients - strong brewed chai tea, milk, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon and cardamom for that authentic chai flavor. Martha explained that the key to a good chai latte granita was in the brewing of the tea. It needed to be strong and flavorful, with just the right balance of spices.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Martha shared with me the story of how she had come across this recipe. She had been traveling in India, exploring the bustling markets and tasting all the delicious street food the country had to offer. One day, she stumbled upon a small tea shop tucked away in a quiet alley, where she was introduced to the wonders of chai latte granita.

Martha was instantly smitten with the refreshing and invigorating taste of the granita, and she knew she had to learn how to make it herself. She spent hours chatting with the tea shop owner, learning the secrets of brewing the perfect chai tea and turning it into a delightful frozen treat.

After many failed attempts and a few spilled batches, Martha finally mastered the art of making chai latte granita. She was thrilled to be able to bring a taste of India back home with her, and she had been sharing the recipe with friends and family ever since.

As I watched Martha expertly prepare the chai latte granita, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. Here was a recipe that had traveled thousands of miles, passed down from one person to another, until it had found its way into my kitchen. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together in a shared experience of taste and memory.

Finally, the granita was ready. Martha scooped it into two glasses and handed me one with a smile. I took a sip, and my taste buds were greeted with a burst of spicy-sweet flavor, the creamy texture melting on my tongue. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a symphony of flavors that danced across my palate.

As I savored every spoonful of the chai latte granita, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from my dear friend Martha. It was a gift that I would cherish and pass on to future generations, a reminder of the beauty and magic of cooking and sharing food with loved ones. And as I sat there in Martha's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and aroma of chai tea, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.