Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups fresh bilberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Ice cream maker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the bilberries and remove any stems.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the bilberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the bilberries have burst and released their juices, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
9. Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight
Freezing time: 2 hours or overnight
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Chilling temperature: Refrigerator temperature
Freezing temperature: Freezer temperature
Serving size:
Makes about 4 cups of sorbet, serving size is 1/2 cup.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh bilberries can be substituted with frozen bilberries or blueberries.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of vodka to the mixture before churning to make the sorbet smoother and prevent it from freezing too hard.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or solids for a smooth sorbet.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning to ensure a creamy texture.
- Serve the sorbet immediately after churning for the best texture.
Storage instructions:
Store the sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating instructions:
No reheating necessary.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sorbet in a chilled bowl or glass with a sprig of fresh mint on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh mint leaves, fresh bilberries or blueberries.
Pairings:
- Serve with fresh fruit or berries.
- Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne.
Suggested side dishes:
No side dishes necessary.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sorbet is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
- If the sorbet is too soft, freeze it for a longer period of time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the bilberries thoroughly before using.
- Store the sorbet in the freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Bilberries are a type of wild blueberry that grow in northern Europe and Asia. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health benefits.
Flavor profiles:
Bilberries have a sweet and tangy flavor with a slightly floral aroma.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sorbet as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
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Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Fruity, Refreshing