**Homemade Granita: A Refreshing Culinary Journey**
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade granita, an Italian frozen dessert that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. As the star of any summer gathering, granita boasts a heritage steeped in tradition, originating from the sun-kissed streets of Sicily. With its vibrant hues, tantalizing aromas, and refreshing taste, this icy treat is guaranteed to transport your senses to a realm of pure indulgence. Embark on this culinary adventure and discover a treasure trove of granita recipes that cater to every palate. From the classic lemon granita, reminiscent of sun-drenched citrus groves, to the exotic mango granita, bursting with tropical sweetness, this article offers a gateway to a world of frozen delights.
COFFEE GRANITA
Coffee with lemon is a traditional Italian pairing. Limoncello adds extra zing!
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories dessert
Time 4h15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a bowl, stir together the coffee, sugar, vanilla and salt until the sugar dissolves. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish and place in the freezer for 2 hours. Remove from the freezer and use a fork to scrape any of the ice that has formed.
- Return to the freezer for another 2 hours, then repeat the scraping. If the granita is still not frozen, return to the freezer again and repeat the scraping. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top or drowned with 1/2 ounce of limoncello.
COFFEE GRANITA
Steps:
- Combine the coffee, sugar, coffee liqueur and vanilla and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 1 hour, until the mixture starts to become slushy around the edges. Rake the mixture with a dinner fork to break up the crystals and place the pan back in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, rake the mixture, until it is completely frozen and granular throughout. Wrap well and keep frozen for a few hours, until ready to serve.
- Spoon the granita into bowls or stemmed glasses, such as martini glasses, and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately.
FRESH STRAWBERRY GRANITA
You can make and serve this gorgeous Italian frozen iced dessert anytime, but it's really best enjoyed during the summer months. Not only is it cold and delicious, but it forces you to stick your hot, sweaty face in the freezer four or five times to stir. The technique of using a fork several times to mix the freezing granita results in perfect icy crystals.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 2h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Rinse strawberries with cold water; let drain. Transfer berries to a blender and add sugar, water, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and salt.
- Pulse several times to get the mixture moving, then blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour into a large baking dish. Puree should only be about 3/8 inch deep in the dish.
- Place dish uncovered in the freezer until mixture barely begins to freeze around the edges, about 45 minutes. Mixture will still be slushy in the center.
- Lightly stir the crystals from the edge of the granita mixture into the center, using a fork, and mix thoroughly. Close 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 the granita is light, crystals are separate, and granita looks dry and fluffy.
- Portion granita into small serving bowls to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 68.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.1 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 0.8 g, Sodium 26.3 mg, Sugar 13.9 g
SIMPLE FRUIT JUICE GRANITA
This is a very simple treat that can be used with your favorite fruit juices to make many different variations. My favorite variation has banana in it. It brings a bit of creaminess to the icy treat. The small bottles of prepackaged juice in the produce section are the perfect amount of juice for this recipe--just pick a flavor! Don't let the mixture freeze completely before you scrape. The secret is to scrape as it freezes.
Provided by FrackFamily5 CA->CT
Categories Desserts Frozen Dessert Recipes
Time 4h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mix sugar and water together in a glass, microwave-safe, 8x8-inch dish. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Mix with a fork until all sugar is dissolved. Stir in juice.
- Freeze for 1 hour. Scrape mixture with a fork. Return to the freezer in increments of 30 minutes, scraping with a fork to create small granules after each one. The granita is ready when it resembles icy sand, about 3 hours total.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 112.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 7.3 mg, Sugar 25.7 g
COFFEE GRANITA
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients and stir until sugar melts. Pour mixture into 9 by 13-inch metal pan and place on level shelf in freezer for half an hour. (Mixture should only come about 1/4-inch up the side of the pan.) Remove and use a dinner fork to scrape any ice crystals that have formed on the side or bottom of the pan. Return to freezer and repeat scraping every 20 to 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours. Once mixture is thoroughly frozen, fluff with a fork and allow flakes to "dry" in freezer another half hour before serving. When served, the granita should look like a fluffy pile of dry brown crystals.
- Scoop into goblets and top with barely sweetened whipped cream, add additional citrus zest if desired.
ZESTY LEMON GRANITA
A light dessert with a refreshing, icy texture, one taste tester dubbed this "the most lemony thing I've ever eaten"! -Sonya Labbe, Santa Monica, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 15m
Yield 2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and thyme. Transfer to an 8-in. square dish; cool to room temperature., Remove thyme sprigs. Freeze for 1 hour; stir with a fork. Freeze 2-3 hours longer or until completely frozen, stirring every 30 minutes., Stir granita with a fork just before serving; spoon into dessert dishes. Garnish with lemon zest.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 0 sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
COFFEE GRANITA
I'm showing you how to make this incredibly refreshing Italian treat. I'm not saying that a coffee granita is the best frozen dessert ever, and I'm not saying this is the best coffee dessert ever, but this might be the best frozen coffee dessert ever. The technique could not be any easier. Serve in a clear glass garnished with sweetened whipped cream and a pinch of cocoa.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Frozen Desserts
Time 11h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Combine coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur in a bowl with a whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Pour mixture into an 8x12- or 9x13-inch dish. Freeze, uncovered, until it just starts to get slushy around the outside, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Take a fork and break the frozen pieces up, stirring into the liquid. Crush any large pieces with the back of the fork.
- Return to the freezer and repeat the process every 30 minutes until you've reached your desired consistency, about 4 to 5 times total.
- Serve immediately or return to the freezer and chill for 8 hours, or overnight, before serving for best results.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 97.9 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Fat 0 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 2.4 mg
Tips:
- Choose ripe, flavorful fruit. This will ensure that your granita is packed with flavor.
- Use a variety of fruits. This will create a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter granita, add more sugar or honey.
- Freeze the granita in a shallow dish. This will help it freeze more quickly and evenly.
- Stir the granita every 30 minutes or so. This will help to break up the ice crystals and create a smooth texture.
- Serve the granita immediately after it has been frozen. It will start to melt quickly, so it is best to enjoy it right away.
Conclusion:
Granita is a refreshing and delicious summer treat that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and refreshing granita that will cool you down on a hot day. So next time you are looking for a refreshing treat, give granita a try.
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