Indulge in the ultimate summer treat with Chef John’s Fresh Strawberry Granita. This simple Italian recipe brings the pure, sweet taste of ripe strawberries in a refreshing frozen dessert. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create perfect icy crystals that will cool you down on the hottest days. Try this delightful granita and savor the flavors of the season. Find the easy recipe here!
Fresh Strawberry Granita
"Fresh Strawberry Granita" is a delightful and refreshing icy treat perfect for summertime enjoyment. Made with 2 pounds of ripe strawberries, water, and a touch of white sugar, this granita offers a burst of natural sweetness. For added flair, you can opt to include optional ingredients like lemon juice and balsamic vinegar, which enhance the flavors. A tiny pinch of salt balances the taste beautifully. The preparation involves blending the strawberries, freezing the mixture, and scraping it with a fork periodically until it forms a delightful granular texture. Serve this delicious granita in chilled glasses, and savor the taste of summer with every spoonful. It's the perfect way to beat the heat and indulge in the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Shallow, freezer-safe dish
- Fork for scraping the granita
- Chilled glasses or bowls for serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ripe strawberries hulled and halved
- 1 cup Water
- ⅓ cup White sugar, or to taste
- ½ tsp lemon juice (optional)
- ¼ tsp Balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 tiny pinch salt
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe strawberries and water. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
- Pour the strawberry puree into a shallow, freezer-safe dish.
- Add the white sugar to the puree and stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
- If desired, add the optional lemon juice and balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor of the granita. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the balsamic vinegar provides a subtle tangy note.
- Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance and enhance the flavors of the strawberries.
- Place the dish in the freezer and let it chill for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the mixture starts to freeze around the edges.
- Using a fork, scrape the partially frozen edges of the granita and mix it into the center of the dish. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours or until the mixture is completely frozen and has a granular texture.
- Once fully frozen, fluff the granita with a fork before serving.
- Serve the refreshing strawberry granita in chilled glasses or bowls and enjoy this delightful icy treat on a hot day.
Notes
You can store any leftovers in the freezer, though the granita is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
