Velvet

Sicilian-Style Lemon Granita

Inspired by techniques from America's Test Kitchen.

Granita · Italian

Zesty, refreshing lemon granita made from fresh lemon juice and scraped into crystalline flakes, intensely bright and thirst-quenching.

Prep20 min
Cook0 min
Total20 min
DifficultyEasy
Per serving141 kcal
FreeGluten-freeDairy-freeVegetarianVegan
Servings6Recipe makes 6
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

None of the 14 major EU allergens. Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Prep. Put the metal tin in the freezer. Cut the peel and white pith off 7 lemons, chop the flesh and remove the seeds.

  2. 2

    Process. Process the lemon flesh with 120 ml water, 200 g sugar and a pinch of fine salt until very smooth, about 1 min.

  3. 3

    Strain. Strain into a jug, pressing hard; discard solids. Stir in the remaining 360 ml water and taste to ensure the mixture is bright, sweet and sharp.

  4. 4

    Freeze. Pour into the cold tin and freeze on a flat shelf.

  5. 5

    Rake. After 45 min, rake the frozen edges into the middle with a fork. Repeat every 30 min until fluffy, separate crystals form with no liquid remaining, 3-4 h total, or freeze solid overnight and scrape into flakes.

  6. 6

    Serve. Scrape again just before serving into chilled glasses.

Storage

Serve immediately after scraping, or freeze uncovered and scrape again just before serving.

Equipment

  • sharp knife
  • food processor
  • fine sieve
  • large jug
  • shallow metal tin (about 23 x 33 cm)
  • fork

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy141 kcal
Protein0.2 g
Carbohydrate37.1 g
of which sugars34.7 g
of which free sugars34.7 g
Fat0.1 g
of which saturates0 g
Fibre0.2 g
Salt0.13 g

Protein per 100 kcal

0.1 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values