Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of ice
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of strawberry syrup
- 1/4 cup of chopped strawberries
Special equipment needed:
- Blender
- Ice shaver or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a blender, combine water, sugar, basil, mint, lemon juice, and strawberry syrup. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
3. Once frozen, remove the container from the freezer and use a fork to scrape the mixture into small, icy flakes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar.
5. To serve, spoon the shaved ice into a bowl or cup and top with the sweetened strawberries.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Freezer temperature: 0°F (-18°C)
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 0g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of strawberry syrup, you can use any other fruit syrup or juice.
- If you don't have fresh basil or mint, you can use dried herbs instead.
Variations:
- You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes to the recipe.
- For a boozy version, add a splash of vodka or rum to the mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the shaved ice fluffier, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- If you don't have an ice shaver, you can use a food processor or a blender to crush the ice.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover shaved ice in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the shaved ice, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it softens.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the shaved ice in a clear glass bowl or cup to show off the colorful layers.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Edible flowers
Pairings:
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.
- Serve with a crisp white wine or a fruity cocktail.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the shaved ice is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scraping it.
- If the mixture is too sweet, add more lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the herbs and fruits thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
- Store the shaved ice in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Grattachecca is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Rome.
- It is made with shaved ice and flavored with fruit syrups or juices.
Flavor profiles:
- This recipe has a refreshing and sweet flavor with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the grattachecca as a light and refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
- It can also be served as a palate cleanser between courses in a multi-course meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Refreshing, Herbal, Tangy, Savory, Zesty