Lemon Granita or Lemon Ice (Granita al Limone)
User Reviews
4.8
Lemon Granita or Lemon Ice (Granita al Limone)
Description
Lemon Granita or Lemon Ice (Granita al Limone) is made by dissolving sugar into water to form a syrup and chilling it before combining with fresh lemon juice and zest. The liquid is then placed in a shallow container in the freezer, stirred at intervals over about two hours to interrupt freezing and encourage fine ice crystal formation. This process results in a frozen dessert with a grainy, slushy texture that is both tangy and sweet. Using Meyer lemons can give a smoother, less acidic taste compared to regular lemons.
The recipe includes preparing lemon cups by removing the flesh from halved lemons, which are then frozen to serve as natural bowls for the granita, helping it stay cooler when served. The granita’s icy consistency and tart lemon flavor make it a refreshing choice to enjoy on warm days or as a light dessert after meals.
For a variation, it can be served with a splash of vodka to create an adult version, adding subtle complexity to the citrus and icy flavors.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- 7 oz lemon juice preferably from a Meyer lemon
- 1 tsp lemon optional, zest
- 4 whole lemon for the skin/peel, and the pulp can be used for the juice, plural
Instructions
How to Prepare Lemon Cups
- Slice the lemons in half lengthwise, then pull the flesh away from the skin.
- Once all the flesh is loose, scoop it out completely.
- Pop them in the freezer so that they will keep the granita colder, longer. If not serving the same day, once solid, put them into a container or freezer bag.
Make the Lemon Granita
- Put the water and sugar into a medium sized pan over medium heat, just until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, allow to cool then place in the refrigerator to chill.
- When the syrup is cold, add the lemon juice and lemon zest, if using, and mix well. Pour into a shallow (preferably metal) container and place in the freezer. Set a time for 40 minutes.
- After half an hour, remove the pan from the freezer and stir the mixture well, especially from the sides. Continue to set a timer for 40 minutes and repeat the procedure until the entire mixture has turned into ice crystals. It will take about two hours, possibly longer to acheive this.
- Remove from the container and serve in hollowed lemon shells or glasses.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor and brightness.
- Frequent stirring during freezing prevents large ice crystals, ensuring a fine, flaky texture.
- Freeze lemon cups ahead of time to keep the granita colder longer when served.
- The granita can be flavored additionally with lemon zest for enhanced aroma, but this is optional.
- Adding vodka creates a refreshing adult version; serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 78 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 78kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 0.1g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 27mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin A | 2IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.04mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
