Summertime is the perfect season to indulge in refreshing delicacies! Rather than serving up a run-of-the-mill punch, why not offer a fabulous granita? Read on to discover how to make this yummy summer treat.
An oldie, but an oh-so-refreshing goodie
Hailing from Sicily, Italy, granita is considered the mamma—nah, the nonna!—of all iced treats. Indeed, its origin dates back more than 1,000 years! At the time, it was made from snow mixed with fruit juice. Today, it’s prepared in its most traditional form with fruit, water, sugar, juice, liqueur, or syrup.
Unlike ice cream, which has a smooth and creamy consistency, granita is distinguished by its grainy composition formed by small crystals that melt delicately in the mouth. An original texture whose secret lies in its unique preparation method!
Why go with granita?
First, because it can be prepared in a jiffy! Most granita recipes require only a few ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.
Plus, it’s super versatile: it can be enjoyed on the terrace on a sunny afternoon or as a dessert. In fact, granita is ideal for ending your supper on a sweet note. We suggest you serve it after a summer dish, like this warm broccoli and bacon salad or ham and arugula pizza.
How to make it?
The best thing about granita is that there are as many ways to enjoy it as there are to make it. And there’s no shortage of flavour profiles to choose from. To obtain a balanced taste, simply respect the following basic proportions:
- Two parts water;
- Two parts fruit;
- One part sugar;
- One quarter part high-acid juice (such as lemon or lime juice).
Granita is also simple to prepare. Which is good because summer is meant to be enjoyed outdoors, not confined to your kitchen! Here’s how to make this iced treat in just five easy steps:
- In a saucepan, combine the water, fruit, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.
- Bring to a boil, then let cool.
- Place the ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a metal container and place in the freezer for 24 hours.
- When the mixture is frozen, scrape with a fork.
An express version
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by blending frozen fruit of your choice with juice. The mixture will therefore already be partially frozen. At this point, you can place it in the freezer for 30 minutes, before scraping with a fork.
Have fun making it your own
Surprise the whole family—and your taste buds—by trying different flavours. Use local fruits to better enjoy the freshness of food from here. It’s strawberry season in June! Stock up on this summer favourite and make this delicious strawberry, rhubarb, and lemon granita.
Granita is often made with fruit, but why not think outside the box and experiment with other flavours . . . like coffee, for example! In this case, simply omit the juice and replace the fruit and water parts with four parts very strong coffee.
You can also swap the lemon juice for kombucha, which will give your granita a tantalizingly tangy taste, or substitute sugar for maple syrup. For an alcoholic version, drizzle the granita with a dash of alcohol right before serving. Watermelon and vodka, lime and tequila, or pineapple and rum: the combinations are endless!
To turn your granita into an even more decadent treat, don’t forget the toppings! Top it with whipped cream or sprinkle it with frozen chocolate shavings or grated citrus zest. Planning a children’s party? Throw a handful of colourful gummies on top!
With or without toppings, made with fruit, coffee, or chocolate, granita is a tasty way to cool down this summer. The whole bowl will disappear before it melts, we promise!
