Lemon Granita is a delightful Italian frozen dessert known for its refreshing and tangy flavor. With its origins rooted in Sicily, this timeless treat has become a popular summer indulgence worldwide. The recipe is remarkably simple, requiring just three key ingredients: lemons, sugar, and water.

To prepare Lemon Granita, freshly squeezed lemon juice is combined with a sugar syrup made by dissolving sugar in water. The mixture is then poured into a shallow dish and placed in the freezer. Every 30 minutes or so, it is gently scraped with a fork to create icy crystals, resulting in a granular texture that gives this dessert its name. The process continues until the entire mixture is frozen, and the Granita is served in chilled glasses or small bowls.

The beauty of Lemon Granita lies in its bright citrus flavor, making it a perfect palate cleanser between courses or a light, refreshing dessert on a hot day. Its semi-granular texture and intense lemony taste offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity.

Whether enjoyed on its own or garnished with mint leaves or a splash of limoncello, Lemon Granita promises to invigorate the taste buds and evoke visions of sunny Mediterranean summers with every spoonful.

All About Lemon Granita Recipe:

Ingredients Of Lemon Granita Recipe:

For this Lemon Granita recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4-5 large lemons (organic, if possible)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Step By Step Instructions Of Lemon Granita Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

Wash the lemons thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Dry them with a clean towel. Using a zester or a fine grater, grate the zest from two lemons, being careful not to include any of the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside for later use.

Step 2: Extract Lemon Juice

Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or your hands. Strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds and pulp. You should aim to get around 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Adjust the number of lemons accordingly.

Step 3: Prepare Simple Syrup

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Mix Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup

Pour the fresh lemon juice into the simple syrup, stirring gently to combine the ingredients. Add the lemon zest you grated earlier to the mixture, giving it an extra burst of citrus flavor. Stir well and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Pour into a Baking Dish

Transfer the lemon mixture to a shallow baking dish or a metal pan with a large surface area. The wider the surface area, the quicker the granita will freeze. Avoid using glass or ceramic dishes as they may crack in the freezer due to the low temperature.

Step 6: Freeze and Scrape

Place the baking dish in the freezer and leave it for about an hour. After an hour, take a fork and begin scraping the partially frozen mixture. Make sure to scrape it thoroughly, breaking up any ice crystals that have formed.

Step 7: Repeat Freezing and Scraping

Repeat the freezing and scraping process every 30 minutes to an hour, for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the granita reaches a fluffy, slushy texture. The time required may vary depending on your freezer’s temperature and the size of the baking dish.

Step 8: Serve

Once your Lemon Granita has reached the desired consistency, it’s ready to be served. Use a fork to scoop the granita into chilled serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, for an extra touch of freshness and aroma.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Now it’s time to indulge in your homemade Lemon Granita! This frozen treat is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day or after a delicious Italian meal. Serve it immediately and savor the tangy, sweet, and refreshing flavors of lemon.

Tips Of Making Lemon Granita:

• For variations, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes.
• If you want to add a splash of alcohol, a dash of limoncello or vodka can be a delightful addition, but use it sparingly.
• Remember to scrape the mixture consistently to achieve a fine-grained texture for your granita.

With this step-by-step guide, you can create a mouthwatering Lemon Granita that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the cool and invigorating taste of summer in every spoonful!