Lemon and Rose Water Granita

Lemon and Rose Water Granita Recipe - Refreshing Italian Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon and Rose Water Granita is a refreshing and light dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This icy treat is bursting with the flavors of fresh lemon juice and fragrant rose water, making it a delightful and elegant dessert option.

History

Granita is a traditional Italian dessert that dates back to the 16th century. Originally made with snow from Mount Etna mixed with fruit juices, granita has evolved over the years to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. The addition of rose water in this recipe adds a unique and exotic twist to the classic granita.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of honey
0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice
1 tsp of rose water (found in Middle Eastern or gourmet markets)
rose petals, washed, for garnish

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of water and honey. Heat the mixture until the honey is completely dissolved, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes (avoid boiling). Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool down completely. Then, add lemon juice and rose water.
Transfer the mixture into an 8" x 8" glass or stainless steel baking dish and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze completely, which usually takes about 3 hours. Once frozen, use a fork to scrape the mixture, creating ice shavings. Return the dish to the freezer for an additional 2 to 4 hours. Scrape the mixture again.
You can either serve the granita immediately and sprinkle it with rose petals, or you can store it in a covered container in the freezer. If you choose to store it, scrape the mixture again before serving.

Variations

Add a splash of vodka or gin for an adult version of this dessert.
Experiment with different fruit juices such as orange or grapefruit for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

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

- Be sure to let the mixture freeze completely before scraping it with a fork to create the granita texture.

- Garnish with fresh rose petals for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon and Rose Water Granita in chilled glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh rose petals for a touch of sophistication.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect granita is to scrape the mixture with a fork every few hours to create light and fluffy ice crystals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find rose water, you can substitute with a splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the Lemon and Rose Water Granita ahead of time and store it in the freezer until ready to serve. Just be sure to scrape the mixture again before serving to create the perfect texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the granita in chilled martini glasses for a sophisticated presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon and Rose Water Granita pairs well with light and fresh dishes such as grilled fish or a summer salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover granita in a covered container in the freezer for up to a week. Simply scrape the mixture again before serving to refresh the texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon and Rose Water Granita contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon and Rose Water Granita contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dessert is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Lemon and Rose Water Granita is a protein-free dessert.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh lemon juice.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Lemon and Rose Water Granita is a light and refreshing dessert that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamin C and is free of common allergens.

Summary

Lemon and Rose Water Granita is a delightful and elegant dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This refreshing treat is bursting with the flavors of fresh lemon juice and fragrant rose water, making it a light and sophisticated option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day and I was browsing through a quaint little bookstore in the heart of the city. As I flipped through the pages of a cookbook titled "Mediterranean Delights," a recipe for Lemon and Rose Water Granita caught my eye.

I had always been a fan of refreshing and light desserts, and this one seemed like the perfect treat for a scorching summer day. The combination of tangy lemon and delicate rose water sounded absolutely divine. I knew I had to try my hand at making it.

I purchased the cookbook and hurried back home to my cozy kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - fresh lemons, fragrant rose water, sugar, and water - and got to work. As I squeezed the lemons and mixed in the rose water, the kitchen filled with a delightful aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation.

After following the recipe carefully and patiently waiting for the mixture to freeze, I finally tasted my creation. The first spoonful of the Lemon and Rose Water Granita sent a wave of coolness and flavor through my taste buds. It was everything I had hoped for and more - light, refreshing, and bursting with the essence of summer.

From that moment on, the Lemon and Rose Water Granita became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a lazy afternoon. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding a touch more rose water or a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and loved ones, passing down the tradition of making this delightful dessert. It has become a family favorite, a symbol of summer and togetherness. Whenever I make it, I am reminded of that hot summer day in the bookstore, and the serendipitous discovery of a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

I like to think of recipes as little pieces of history, each one carrying a story and a memory. The Lemon and Rose Water Granita is no exception. It represents the joy of discovery, the pleasure of creating something delicious, and the beauty of sharing it with others.

As I grow older and my hands become a little less steady, I take comfort in knowing that the recipes I have collected and cherished over the years will live on through the generations. I hope that someday, my grandchildren will gather in the kitchen, just as I did, and recreate the Lemon and Rose Water Granita with as much love and care as I did.

For now, I will continue to make it whenever the sun shines bright and the air is warm with the promise of summer. The Lemon and Rose Water Granita will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures of life and the joy of creating something beautiful with my own two hands.