Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a blender, puree blueberries until smooth.
3. Pour blueberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Add cooled sugar syrup and lemon juice to the blueberry puree and stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and place in the freezer.
6. After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals that have formed. Repeat every 30 minutes until the mixture is completely frozen and has a fluffy, granular texture.
7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Freezing time: 3-4 hours
Temperature:
Freezer temperature
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 98
Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 25.6g
Protein: 0.7g
Sodium: 1mg
Fiber: 1.8g
Sugar: 22.8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Frozen blueberries can be used instead of fresh.
- Honey or agave syrup can be used instead of sugar.
- Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice.
Variations:
- Substitute other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for blueberries.
- Add a splash of vodka or gin for an adult version.
- Top with whipped cream or fresh berries before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to scrape the mixture every 30 minutes to achieve the granular texture.
- Use a shallow baking dish for faster freezing.
- For a smoother texture, blend the mixture longer and strain through a finer mesh strainer.
Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating instructions:
None needed. Serve immediately from the freezer.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a chilled glass or bowl.
Garnishes:
Top with fresh blueberries or mint leaves.
Pairings:
Serve with a light dessert such as angel food cake or shortbread cookies.
Suggested side dishes:
None needed. This recipe is a dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the granita is too icy, try blending the mixture longer and straining through a finer mesh strainer.
- If the granita is too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the blueberries thoroughly before using.
Food history:
Granita is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Sicily.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, tart, fruity
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Refreshing, Sweet, Tart, Fruity, Cool