Scandinavian Strawberry Granita Recipe

Strawberry Granita

Scandinavian Strawberry Granita Recipe
Region / culture: Scandinavia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Strawberry Granita is a refreshing and light frozen dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. Made with simple ingredients like frozen strawberries, sugar, lemon, and water, this dessert is easy to prepare and bursting with fruity flavors.

History

Granita is a traditional Italian dessert that dates back to the 16th century. Originally from Sicily, granita was made by mixing snow from Mount Etna with fruit juices or flavored syrups. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of flavors, including strawberry.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Defrost the strawberries and mash them lightly with a fork.
  2. Fold in the sugar, lemon juice, and water.
  3. Pour the mixture into a mold and leave it in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve the frozen dessert in sherbet glasses or dessert dishes with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Variations

  • Try using different fruits like raspberries or peaches for a different flavor.
  • Add a splash of rum or vodka for an adult version of this dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe and sweet strawberries for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference.

- Stir the mixture occasionally while it is freezing to create a light and fluffy texture.

- Serve the granita immediately after freezing for the best consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the granita in sherbet glasses or dessert dishes with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a good granita is to stir the mixture occasionally while it is freezing to create a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh strawberries instead of frozen, but make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the granita ahead of time and store it in the freezer until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the granita in elegant dessert glasses garnished with fresh mint leaves or sliced strawberries.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a glass of Prosecco or Moscato for a sweet and refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants from the strawberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the whipping cream.

Summary

Strawberry Granita is a light and refreshing dessert that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants from the strawberries.

Summary

Strawberry Granita is a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for summer. With its fruity flavors and light texture, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Strawberry Granita. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her delicious homemade dishes, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a basket of ripe, juicy strawberries that she had picked from her garden that morning. She told me that we were going to make a refreshing strawberry granita, a frozen dessert that was perfect for hot summer days. I had never heard of granita before, but I was eager to learn.

Maria started by showing me how to wash and hull the strawberries, then she handed me a sharp knife and instructed me to slice them into small pieces. As we worked together, she shared with me the story of how she learned to make strawberry granita from her own grandmother when she was a young girl.

She told me that her grandmother used to make the dessert as a special treat for her and her siblings during the hot summer months. They would gather around the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for the granita to freeze so they could enjoy its sweet, icy goodness. Maria's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted those precious memories.

As we continued to prepare the strawberries, Maria explained to me the simple ingredients needed for the granita - just strawberries, sugar, and water. She showed me how to puree the strawberries in a blender until they were smooth and then how to mix in the sugar and water to create a sweet, flavorful base.

Once the mixture was ready, Maria poured it into a shallow baking dish and placed it in the freezer. She told me that the key to making a good granita was to stir it every hour or so as it froze, breaking up the ice crystals to create a smooth, slushy texture.

As we waited for the granita to freeze, Maria regaled me with more stories of her grandmother and the delicious meals she used to prepare. She spoke with such love and admiration for the woman who had taught her so much about cooking and life.

Finally, after a few hours of patiently waiting and stirring, the granita was ready. Maria scooped it into bowls and garnished it with fresh mint leaves before serving it to me. The first bite was like a burst of summer in my mouth - sweet, tangy, and oh so refreshing.

I was hooked. From that day on, I made it a point to learn as many recipes from Maria as I could. Her kitchen became my classroom, and her wisdom became my guide. I experimented with different fruits and flavors, adapting the granita recipe to create my own unique versions.

Over the years, I have shared my love for strawberry granita with friends and family, passing down the recipe and the stories that go along with it. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, of the simple joy of learning something new and delicious.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of strawberry granita for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. The circle of tradition continues, as the sweet taste of summer fills the air and memories of my dear friend Maria flood my heart. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking and connection that she passed down to me.

Categories

| Dessert Recipes | Light Whipping Cream Recipes | Scandinavian Desserts | Scandinavian Recipes | Strawberry Recipes |

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