LEMON STRAWBERRY BASIL GRANITA
As we enter into warmer weather, it’s a must to have a cool, refreshing dessert. Mama Paige hit the nail on the head with this Lemon Strawberry Basil Granita. It is just the right amount of sweet with a hint of lemon. Not to mention, granitas are naturally plant-based—the perfect substitute for ice cream on those warm summer days.
You might be thinking, “This sounds like a sorbet.” That’s what I thought when Mama Paige shared this recipe. While they are both naturally vegan-friendly treats, sorbets are pretty smooth and soft, whereas granitas are fluffy and crunchy, similar to shaved ice. Our Lemon Strawberry Basil Granita is a basic Sicilian granita with added aromatics. I know what you are thinking – and yes, it goes great with tequila.
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DRINK VARIATIONS.
Granitas can be easily transformed into a delicious summer drink. See a couple of our recommendations:
Basic Slushie: Remove the granita mixture while it's only partially frozen. Add a generous amount to a glass and serve as a frozen drink. Garnish with fresh fruit, mint leaves, or basil.
Strawberry Spritz: Pour your favorite lemon-lime carbonated beverage over a large serving of granita. Garnish with fresh fruit, mint leaves, or basil.
Adult Beverage: Pour vodka or tequila over a large serving of granita. Stir and enjoy an adult frosty beverage. Garnish with fresh fruit, mint leaves, or basil.
Helpful tools.
Strawberry Lemon Basil Granita
Ingredients
- ½ C. mashed strawberries
- 2 C. water
- 2 fresh basil leaves
- ½ C. white sugar
- ½ Tbsp. lemon zest
- 6 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash strawberries, cut leafy tops, and mash strawberries.
- Add water and basil to a medium saucepan. Boil for 3 minutes. Careful, remove from heat, and then remove basil.
- Add sugar to boiled water immediately after removing the basil leaves. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add remaining ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour mixture in a 9 x 13 baking dish. (Link to baking dish) Place in freezer uncovered.
- After 45 minutes, check the progress of freezing. Stir to break up ice crystals and scraping sides to release the crystals from the sides of the dish. 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.
