Zesty Lemon Granita

Zesty Lemon Granita Recipe from Chad | Lemon, Sugar, and Refreshing Flavor

Region / culture: Chad | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zesty Lemon Granita is a refreshing and tangy frozen dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon juice and zest with a touch of sweetness from sugar to create a delicious and light treat.

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 Originally made with snow from Mount Etna mixed with fruit juices, granita has evolved over the years to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. Zesty Lemon Granita is a modern twist on this classic dessert, combining the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of sugar for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of lemon zest
0.5 cup of sugar

How to prepare

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium nonreactive saucepan.
Add the lemon juice, zest, and sugar.
Simmer to blend flavors for about 30 minutes.
To freeze, transfer the syrup to a medium nonreactive bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
Freeze the mixture, stirring every 30 minutes to incorporate the frozen portion back into the syrup.
As the mixture freezes, scrape a spoon across the nearly frozen mixture to break it up.
Repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes until the mixture is just solid, which should take 3 to 4 hours.
For the garnish, cut the zest of a large lemon into fine julienne strips.
Cover the zest with water and boil for 5 minutes, then drain.
Bring 1 cup of sugar, 0.33 cup of corn syrup, and 0.33 cup of water to a boil.
Remove from heat, stir in the zest, and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Transfer the zest to a wire rack.
After 15 minutes, when the zest feels dry, roll it in additional sugar.
The candied lemon zest can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
To serve, scoop the granita into chilled serving glasses, garnish with candied lemon zest, and serve immediately.

Variations

Try using different citrus fruits such as lime or orange for a variation on this recipe.
Add a splash of limoncello or vodka to the granita mixture for an adult twist on this dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the granita mixture every 30 minutes while it is freezing to ensure a smooth and even texture.

- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor in this recipe.

- To speed up the freezing process, you can transfer the granita mixture to a shallow dish and place it in the freezer, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zesty Lemon Granita in chilled glasses for a refreshing and elegant presentation. Garnish with candied lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a smooth and fluffy granita is to stir the mixture frequently while it is freezing. This will prevent large ice crystals from forming and ensure a light and airy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a sweeter granita, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use honey or agave nectar as a substitute for sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Zesty Lemon Granita can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week. Simply remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zesty Lemon Granita in chilled martini glasses for a sophisticated presentation. Top with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This tangy and refreshing dessert pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try serving Zesty Lemon Granita after a light pasta dish or grilled seafood for a refreshing end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Zesty Lemon Granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping into chilled glasses.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zesty Lemon Granita contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zesty Lemon Granita contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Zesty Lemon Granita is a protein-free dessert.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. This recipe also provides small amounts of potassium and folate.

Alergens

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

Summary

Zesty Lemon Granita is a low-calorie, low-fat dessert that is a good source of vitamin C. It is a refreshing and healthy treat for hot summer days.

Summary

Zesty Lemon Granita is a delicious and refreshing frozen dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This tangy treat is easy to make and can be customized with different citrus fruits or spirits for a unique twist. Enjoy this light and flavorful dessert on its own or as a palate cleanser between courses.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, just like today, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I was flipping through the yellowed pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and landed at my feet. Curious, I picked it up and saw the title: Zesty Lemon Granita.

I had never heard of Granita before, but the name alone intrigued me. The recipe was simple and straightforward, calling for just a few ingredients: lemons, sugar, and water. I remembered the words of my dear friend Maria, who had shared this recipe with me many years ago. She had told me that Granita was a traditional Italian dessert, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.

I decided to give it a try, following the instructions carefully. I squeezed the juice from the lemons, added the sugar and water, and stirred it all together until the sugar dissolved. I poured the mixture into a shallow pan and placed it in the freezer, stirring every half hour until it was frozen and flaky. The result was a refreshing and tangy treat that was perfect for a hot summer day.

I shared the Zesty Lemon Granita with my family, who all marveled at how delicious and refreshing it was. From that day on, it became a staple in our household during the summer months. I would make it for picnics, barbecues, and any other occasion that called for a light and refreshing dessert.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a splash of limoncello for an extra kick, or a sprinkle of fresh mint for a burst of flavor. No matter how I made it, the Zesty Lemon Granita always brought a smile to everyone's face.

I remember the time when my granddaughter, Emma, came to visit me for the summer. She had always been curious about my recipes and loved to help me in the kitchen. I taught her how to make the Zesty Lemon Granita, showing her the simple steps and explaining the importance of fresh ingredients and patience.

Emma was a quick learner and soon became an expert at making the Granita. She would experiment with different flavors and textures, creating her own unique variations of the recipe. I was proud to see her carrying on the tradition and putting her own spin on it.

As the years went by, my collection of recipes continued to grow, each one holding a special memory or story behind it. But the Zesty Lemon Granita will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of lazy summer days spent with loved ones, of laughter and joy shared over a simple and delicious dessert.

Now, as I sit on my porch, sipping a glass of iced tea and watching the sun set, I can't help but smile as I think of all the memories and stories that this humble recipe holds. The Zesty Lemon Granita may just be a dessert to some, but to me, it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those you hold dear. And for that, I will always be grateful.