Lemon Granita: A Creamy and Refreshing Dessert with Bold Flavor

• 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
• A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance the flavor)
• Fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemon Juice:

Start by juicing your lemons to yield about 2 cups of fresh lemon juice. For added depth of flavor, you can also zest one or two of the lemons before juicing and set the zest aside.

2. Make the Syrup:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a simple syrup that will add sweetness to the granita. Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.

3. Combine the Lemon Juice and Syrup:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled syrup with the fresh lemon juice (and lemon zest if you’re using it). Add a pinch of salt to the mixture if desired. Stir everything together until fully combined.

4. Freeze the Granita:

Pour the lemon mixture into a shallow baking dish or pan. The shallow pan is important because it helps the mixture freeze evenly and form small ice crystals. Place the dish in the freezer and allow it to freeze for about 1-2 hours.

5. Scrape the Granita:

After the first 1-2 hours, take the pan out of the freezer and use a fork to scrape the ice into small, fluffy crystals. Stir it gently to break up any larger chunks. Return the dish to the freezer and repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes until the granita is completely frozen and has a light, fluffy, snow-like texture. This should take around 3-4 hours in total.

6. Serve:

Once your granita is fully frozen and ready to serve, scoop the icy lemon crystals into bowls or glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon, or even a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Granita:

1. Bold Lemon Flavor: The tartness of fresh lemon juice makes this granita a bright and refreshing treat. It’s perfect for those who love bold, citrusy flavors.
2. Easy to Make: Unlike other frozen desserts that require fancy machines or long preparation times, this granita is incredibly simple. With just a few ingredients and some patience as it freezes, you’ll have a fantastic dessert in no time.
3. Customizable: While this recipe is a classic lemon granita, you can easily experiment with other citrus fruits or add herbs like basil or thyme to infuse unique flavors. You could even add a splash of your favorite liqueur, like limoncello, for a grown-up twist.
4. Perfectly Refreshing: The texture of granita is light and fluffy, making it the perfect cool-down treat for hot summer days. It’s not as heavy as sorbet or ice cream, so you can indulge without feeling overly full.
5. Low in Fat: Unlike creamy desserts, granita is made with just fruit juice, sugar, and water—so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a refreshing dessert that won’t weigh you down.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Granita:

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving the bright, tangy flavor that makes this dessert so refreshing. While store-bought lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemons will give you the best taste and aroma.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: The amount of sugar in the recipe can be adjusted based on your preference and the tartness of the lemons. Start with 1/2 cup and taste the mixture before freezing—add more if you want it sweeter, but keep in mind that granita should have a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
• Scraping for Texture: The key to a perfect granita is the scraping process. This helps break up the ice into fine crystals, giving it that signature light, fluffy texture. Be sure to scrape the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes.
• Storage: Granita is best served right after it’s made, but you can store any leftovers in the freezer. Just be sure to give it another quick scrape with a fork before serving, as it can freeze solid into a block.
• Add Some Zest: If you’re a fan of extra citrus flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the syrup. This will give your granita an added punch of lemony fragrance.

Final Thoughts:

Lemon Granita is a simple yet exquisite dessert that is perfect for warm weather. Its light, airy texture and bright lemon flavor make it the ideal way to cool down after a long day in the sun. The best part is that you can make it in advance and store it in the freezer, so you’ll always have a refreshing treat ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.

Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, craving a light and refreshing dessert, or just looking for an easy way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of lemon, this granita is the perfect choice. So, grab a few lemons and whip up this creamy and bold dessert—your taste buds will thank you!