Zesty Ginger Citrus Granita
Elevate your dessert experience with this Zesty Ginger Citrus Granita, inspired by the classic techniques taught at The Culinary Institute of America. This refreshing, icy treat captures the vibrant essence of fresh ginger combined with a hint of citrus. The unique freezing method ensures a delightful, flaky texture that cleanses the palate and makes for a perfect finish to any meal. Any time you're in the mood for something cool and invigorating, this granita will not disappoint!
N/A
Servings
131
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh gingerroot
3 tablespoons (thickly sliced)
Water
3 1/2 cups (divided)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
Fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the sliced fresh ginger and 1 cup of water into a blender or food processor, and blend until you achieve a smooth purée.
2
In a saucepan, combine the ginger purée, sugar, and the remaining 2 1/2 cups of water. Heat the mixture over high heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil.
3
After simmering, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the ginger pieces, ensuring you have a smooth liquid. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
4
Transfer the ginger-citrus mixture into a prechilled, non-reactive baking pan, spreading it evenly, and place it in the freezer.
5
Stir the mixture every 15 to 20 minutes to help break up the ice crystals, allowing it to freeze evenly into a light, flaky texture. This process will take about 2 hours.
6
Alternatively, you can let the granita freeze undisturbed for about 4 hours until solid. Once frozen, use a sturdy metal spoon to scrape the surface, creating a light and airy granita or pulse the frozen mixture in a food processor until your desired texture is achieved.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
0g
Protein
26.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Ginger Citrus Granita?
It is a refreshing, icy dessert that combines the vibrant essence of fresh ginger with citrus, featuring a unique flaky texture.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires four main ingredients: fresh gingerroot, water, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this granita?
Each serving contains approximately 131 calories.
Does this dessert contain any fat?
No, this Zesty Ginger Citrus Granita contains 0g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 32.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the granita?
The recipe contains 26.25g of sugar per serving.
Is there any protein in this ginger granita?
No, this recipe contains 0g of protein.
What amount of fresh gingerroot should I use?
You should use 3 tablespoons of thickly sliced fresh gingerroot.
How much water is needed in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 3 1/2 cups of water, used in divided parts.
How much granulated sugar is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
How much lemon juice is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or food processor is used to create a smooth purée from the ginger and water.
What is the first step in making the granita?
The first step is to blend the sliced fresh ginger with 1 cup of water until smooth.
Should I boil the ginger and sugar mixture?
No, you should heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, avoiding a full boil.
Why is the mixture strained through a fine-mesh strainer?
Straining removes the ginger pieces to ensure the final liquid is smooth.
When do I add the lemon juice?
The fresh lemon juice is stirred into the mixture after it has been simmered and strained.
What kind of pan should I use for freezing?
A prechilled, non-reactive baking pan is recommended for freezing the granita.
How often should I stir the mixture in the freezer?
You should stir the mixture every 15 to 20 minutes to help break up the ice crystals.
How long does it take to freeze using the stirring method?
The stirring process takes approximately 2 hours to achieve the flaky texture.
Can I freeze the granita without stirring it?
Yes, you can let it freeze undisturbed for about 4 hours until it is solid.
How do I handle the granita if it is frozen solid?
If frozen solid, use a sturdy metal spoon to scrape the surface or pulse the mixture in a food processor.
What texture should the final granita have?
The final granita should have a light, flaky, and airy texture.
Is this recipe suitable as a palate cleanser?
Yes, its refreshing and icy nature makes it an ideal palate cleanser between courses or after a meal.
Who inspired the techniques used in this recipe?
The techniques are inspired by those taught at The Culinary Institute of America.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients used (ginger, water, sugar, lemon) are plant-based.
Is the Zesty Ginger Citrus Granita gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The primary flavors are spicy fresh ginger and bright citrus lemon.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used both for the initial ginger purée and the final texture processing.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dessert' because it requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the nutritional data is calculated per serving based on the 4-ingredient yield.