Lemon Basil Sorbet: Refreshing Summer Bliss Recipe
Introduction
Discover the refreshing taste of Lemon Basil Sorbet, a perfect treat for hot summer days. This vibrant dessert combines zesty lemon with fragrant basil for a uniquely delicious and cooling experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Step 1: Juice fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of lemon juice. Finely chop the basil leaves using a chiffonade technique to release their flavor.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat once dissolved.
- Step 3: Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped basil into the sugar syrup. Stir gently to blend the flavors well.
- Step 4: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill and infuse.
- Step 5: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Step 6: Transfer the sorbet into an airtight container and freeze for a few hours to firm up before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter or different flavor, substitute granulated sugar with agave syrup or honey.
- Use filtered water to ensure a clean, pure taste in the sorbet.
- Try adding a splash of sparkling water before serving for a fizzy twist.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until firm.
Storage
Store the sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To serve, let it soften at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sorbet without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Stir it every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it’s fully frozen and has a smooth texture.
How fresh should the basil be for this recipe?
Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor impact. Dried basil won’t provide the same aromatic freshness and may alter the taste.
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Lemon Basil Sorbet: Refreshing Summer Bliss Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Basil Sorbet is a refreshing and vibrant summer dessert combining the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice with the aromatic sweetness of fresh basil. Perfect for cooling down on warm days, this sorbet features a simple syrup base infused with herbs and churned to a smooth, icy treat.
Ingredients
For the Sorbet Base
- 1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (Choose juicy lemons for the best results.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (Use fresh only for maximum flavor impact.)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Can be swapped with agave or honey.)
- 1 cup Water (Prefer filtered water for a cleaner taste.)
Instructions
- Juice and Prepare Basil: Start by juicing your fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Next, finely chop the basil leaves using a chiffonade technique to release their aromatic flavor.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat once dissolved.
- Combine Flavors: Pour the fresh lemon juice and chopped basil into the warm sugar syrup. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the mixture is fragrant with basil.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours so the flavors meld and the base cools thoroughly.
- Churn Sorbet: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-30 minutes.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours to firm up before serving. Enjoy your refreshing lemon basil sorbet!
Notes
- Use fresh basil leaves rather than dried for the best aromatic flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the sugar amount or using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until firm.
- For a more intense basil flavor, steep the chopped basil in the warm syrup for 10 minutes before adding lemon juice, then strain out basil before chilling.
- Consume sorbet within 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon basil sorbet, summer dessert, refreshing sorbet, frozen lemon dessert, basil sorbet, citrus sorbet
