Strawberry Granita

Strawberry granita is a refreshing and gorgeous frozen treat that originates from Italy. It’s perfect for a hot summer day when you crave something light, fruity, and cool.

Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing dessert to serve at a summer party or a simple treat to enjoy on a hot day, strawberry granita is a delicious and easy option. With its bright, fruity flavor and icy texture, this dessert is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

It’s also a great way to wow your guests. Even though it’s a simple to make, the über red color of the flaky crystals look fabulous in a glass. Add to that a sprig of mint and you have a super chic dessert!

What is Granita

Homemade granita is a semi-frozen, simple dessert of Italian origin – think water ice or Italian ice. It is made by freezing a mixture of sugar, water, and flavorings such as fruit puree or coffee, and then scraping it with a fork to create a textured, icy consistency. The resulting dessert has a refreshing and light texture, similar to a slush or shaved ice, making it perfect for hot weather.

You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this easy dessert; just a blender or food processor and freezer would do.

Ingredients

You make the best strawberry granita with the following:

Strawberries: I implore you to make strawberry granita with fresh, in-season strawberries. Of course, you can buy in season strawberries and then freeze those and then keep them for later, but the flavor is completely difference when you make it with fruit in season. (Can I say in-season again?)

Sugar: I used granulated sugar to make the strawberry sugar syrup, but you can use caster sugar if you are in the UK.

Water: This came from my tap, but feel free to use bottled water.

Fresh Lemon juice: A squeeze of a few drops is all you need – it adds a little zing.

Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar and strawberries have such a fabulous relationship. I added just a touch of it to bring out a rich flavor – you can leave this out if you wish.

Pinch of Salt: Some add a pinch of salt as well. I didn’t, but try it out and see if you like it.

Equipment

I used all these!

• Blender
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups‍
• Bowls
• Whisk or fork

Blender or Food Processor

To puree the strawberries, you need a blender or food processor. A blender can make a smooth puree in seconds, while a food processor can be a bit slower but can handle larger batches. Both work well for this recipe, so use whichever you have available.

Fork or Whisk

To scrape the granita, you need a fork or whisk. This will help you create the icy, flaky texture that makes granita so unique. A fork is the most common tool used for this process, but a whisk can also work well.

Serving Glasses

To serve the granita, you need some glasses or bowls. You can use any type of glass or bowl, but clear glasses are best as they show off the beautiful color of the granita.

With these essential tools, you’ll be able to make a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Steps

It only takes a few simple steps for this great recipe:

1. Clean the fruit

Wash the strawberries thoroughly under running water. Hull and slice them into a large bowls.

2. Make the strawberry simple syrup

Add the sugar to the strawberries in a small bowl and then leave them to sit at least an hour until the sugar dissolves, but don’t forget to mix it up a few times. I left mine for about 3 hours and it just gives syrup for flavor.

3. Make the puree

Pour mixture into a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and the water, and puree at medium speed for a few seconds until you get consistent and smooth strawberry puree. Some people strain it so there are no seeds, but I don’t mind the seeds.

4. Freeze

Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, take it out and stir it with a fork to break up any icy portions or ice crystals. Repeat this process until the mixture is completely frozen, which should take about 2-3 hours.

If it freezes into a solid block then just defrost it and break it up with a fork again or put it in your blender and then back into the fridge.

Tips

Here are some valuable tips to help you make the perfect granita that you can relish with those around you:

• Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. Keep in mind that the sweetness will be slightly muted once the granita is frozen.
• For a creamier texture, fold in some whipped cream or coconut cream before freezing.
• To add a touch of tartness, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to the mixture before freezing.
• Garnish the granita with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Variations

There are many ways to customize fresh Strawberry Granita to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations to try:

• Add honey: For a super easy and healthy option, blend together strawberries, honey, and water before freezing.
• Add to sorbet: For a fun twist, layer the strawberry granita with other fruit sorbets like raspberry or mango for a colorful and delicious dessert.
• Strawberry Margarita granitas: Add a splash of tequila to the mixture before or after freezing for a refreshing adult beverage.
• Brioche Pairing: Serve the strawberry granita with a slice of toasted brioche for a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cherry on top

Granitas are a great Sicilian alternative to ice cream or sorbet during the blazing hot summer days. With the many benefits of strawberries, like a great Vitamin C source, low in sugar and calories, and a great source of folate and fiber, there’s all the more reason to try out this strawberry granita recipe.

Try a few of these other recipes

You can also try different sorbet recipes. Strawberry, mango, and lime make great sorbets with or without an ice cream maker. Take it up a notch and try fruit combinations!

Here’s the Strawberry Granita recipe!