Sicilian lemon ice, also known as granita di limone, is a delicious and refreshing frozen dessert that originates from the beautiful island of Sicily, Italy. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this classic Italian dessert is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dessert to serve at your next summer gathering or simply want to cool down on a hot afternoon, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect granita di limone.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
AUTHENTIC SICILIAN GRANITA AL LIMONE
Lemon granita is one of my favorite things about Sicily. It's easy to make at home if a trip to the island isn't possible. Using Meyer lemons, which tend to be sweeter than regular lemons, helps replicate the flavor of authentic Sicilian lemons. Serve as an after-dinner refresher or afternoon pick-me-up. And for a nice twist, add a small scoop to your iced tea, like they do in Sicily.
Provided by Buckwheat Queen
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 3h40m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Pour water and sugar into a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar melts; do not bring to a boil. Remove from heat when the sugar has completely dissolved and the water is no longer cloudy. Add lemon juice and stir until combined. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.
- Pour into a freezer-safe dish that has a tight lid. Cover and put into the freezer until it begins to freeze around the edges, but is still slushy in the center, about 45 minutes.
- Lightly stir the crystals from the edge of the granita mixture into the center using a fork and mix thoroughly. Replace the lid. Close the freezer and chill until granita is nearly frozen, 30 to 40 more minutes.
- Mix lightly with a fork as before, scraping the crystals loose. Repeat freezing and stirring with the fork 3 to 4 times until crystals are separate and the granita is light, dry, and fluffy.
- Serve each portion with 1/2 of a lemon wheel and fresh lemon zest on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 95.3 calories, Carbohydrate 28.3 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 0.8 g, Sodium 3.4 mg, Sugar 20.6 g
CHEF JOHN'S LEMON ICE
Using the classic Italian granita technique makes this an easy and refreshing summer treat. I love the contrast between that light texture and bright, vibrant flavor.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Lemon Dessert Recipes
Time 3h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Dissolve sugar in water in a pot over medium heat, whisking while water heats up. As soon as sugar dissolves and water is clear, remove pan from heat. While water is still warm, add lemon zest. Allow to cool to room temperature before adding lemon juice.
- Whisk in lemon juice and lemon extract. Pour into a baking pan about 9x13 inches. Place in freezer until ice starts to form around the edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Use a fork to stir up ice. Do this every 20 to 30 minutes until lemon ice reaches your preferred texture, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 94.4 calories, Carbohydrate 24.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 4 mg, Sugar 22.6 g
ITALIAN LEMON ICE (GRANITA)
Lemon granita is easily the most popular of all Italian ices, and with good reason. On a hot summer's day, no refreshment beats it tangy, revitalizing taste. Prep time included chill time. From The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen.
Provided by Bev I Am
Categories Frozen Desserts
Time 5h20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine 2 cups of the water with the sugar in a medium nonreactive saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the salt, stir, and remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the remaining water and let cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, place a shallow metal 2 1/2 qt container (such as a large cake pan) in the freezer to chill.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon peel, and extract to the chilled sugar mixture; stir until well blended.
- Pour into the chilled metal pan.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, or until ice crystals form around the edges.
- Stir the ice crystals into the center of the pan and return to the freezer.
- Repeat every 30 minutes, or until all the liquid is crystallized but not frozen solid, about 3 hours.
- To serve, scoop the granita into chilled dessert bowls or goblets.
- (If the granita has become too hard, scrape it with a large metal spoon to break up the ice crystals.) Serve at once.
- Advance Preparation: The granita can be stored, covered, for up to four days in the freezer, but it will have become frozen solid.
- To serve, either allow the granita to thaw in the refridgerator until you can scrape the crystals, or break it up into chunks and process with on/off motions in a food processor fitted with the knife blade until fairly smooth.
LEMON GRANITA
Categories Dessert Freeze/Chill Kid-Friendly Low Sodium Wheat/Gluten-Free Lemon Summer Vegan Gourmet Fat Free Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher Small Plates
Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- With a vegetable peeler remove zest in long pieces from 2 lemons. Squeeze 1/2 cup juice from lemons.
- In a small heavy saucepan heat water and sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Stir in zest and transfer syrup to a bowl to cool. Chill syrup, covered, until cold. Discard zest and stir in lemon juice.
- For eastern-Sicilian granita:
- Freeze lemon mixture in an ice-cream maker until spoonable but not crumbly and serve immediately.
- For western-Sicilian granita:
- Freeze lemon mixture in a metal bowl, stirring every 30 minutes to remove ice crystals from side of bowl, until liquid has become granular but is still slightly slushy, about 3 to 4 hours. Serve granita immediately.
Tips:
- Select the finest lemons: For the most flavorful granita, choose ripe and fragrant lemons. Meyer lemons are a great option, as they have a sweeter and less acidic flavor.
- Chill the ingredients: Before making the granita, chill the lemon juice, water, and sugar syrup. This will help the granita freeze more quickly and evenly.
- Use an ice cream maker (optional): If you have an ice cream maker, you can use it to churn the granita. This will give it a creamier texture.
- Freeze in a shallow container: Pour the granita mixture into a shallow container to freeze. This will help it freeze more quickly.
- Scrape the granita every 30 minutes: As the granita freezes, scrape it with a fork every 30 minutes or so. This will help to break up the ice crystals and give the granita a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Serve immediately or store: Granita is best enjoyed immediately after it is made. However, you can also store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Sicilian lemon granita is a refreshing and delicious dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. With its bright, citrusy flavor, granita is a delightful way to end a meal or cool off on a hot afternoon.
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