It is pouring outside enjoy with a Lemon Basil Granita in your blankets and watching the rain.
Granita is a dessert semi-frozen and nothing but sugar and water with flavourings. Granita is in Italy called Granita Siciliana because granita originated from Sicily. The texture that granita is available in Italy varies from crystalline coarse texture to smooth like a sorbet.
You too can vary the texture of your granita the coarse one like mine is produced in the freezer section of my refrigerator. The smooth type is made in the gelato machine.
Whatever the form of your granita it is distinct from ice cream, ice cream is creamier, A sorbet is more compact.
Traditionally granita is flavoured with jasmine, coffee, almonds, mint, mandarin oranges and lemons. Seasonal flavouring includes mulberries and wild strawberries.
The lemons in Sicily are reputed to be more floral and less acidic so the flavours you cannot copy. Almonds and pistachio agricultural produce of Sicily also feature in their granita. Chocolate granitas too are available.
Granita can be served in different ways like the Italians serve with coffee, with almonds, with brioche as breakfast in summer. You can also serve granita as a slush with a straw. Did you know granita is also served as a palate cleanser between courses in meals? These are however made less sweet and with savoury ingredients.
This time for FoodieMondayBlogHop Swati suggested we use fresh herbs (if possible) to make any dish. The herbs that were not allowed were coriander and curry leaves.
Now, I have issues with getting fresh vegetables forget about alone good herbs in the rainy season. The ones that are available are in such a sorry state and so badly handled that I don’t want to buy them. So anyway I had settled to use dried herbs.
Actually, I wanted to visit Kaki and get some herbs she grows but after raiding her tree for Moringa to make this Spiced lentil powder I am feeling a little ashamed to ask her for more stuff. I will ask her but sometime later.
That is the time I mentioned to Kiddo that I wanted to make something out of fresh herbs her first thought was something with basil, her favourite herb. I brought rosemary and chives too but they are still in the fridge.
When I looked up the net I fell hook, line and sinker to this delicious Lemon Basil Granita on Foodnetwork.
Simple yet delicious Lemon Basil Granita I meets all my needs of a dessert.

Lemon Basil Granita
Equipment
- Freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Wash and drain the basil leaves.
- Meanwhile, in a pan add the sugar and water.
- Heat the mixture over low heat stirring occasionally till the sugar dissolves.
- Cool the mixture then add the basil leaves. Using a spoon muddle the leaves. Actually, I tore the leaves and mashed them a bit.
- Let it steep for at least 1 hour.
- Add the lemon juice and mix well.
- Strain the liquid in a bowl discard the residue.
- Cover and freeze the mixture in a flat box, glass tray.
- After about 2 hours scrape the ice block with a fork to get small crystals.
- Do this scraping after for another 1 hour. Let the mixture freeze fully.
- Serve granita with coffee, coffee liqueur and garnished with basil.
In the past, I have tried making some granitas
Do you like this recipe? Have you tried it? In case you do and whenever you do please tag me on Facebook. My Instagram handle is #themadscientistskitchen. You can also use my Twitter handle, Then you are always welcome at my Pinterest page too. I will love to see you there.
Please also subscribe to my mailing list and join me in my journey of Food! Will enjoy seeing what you make so that I too can learn from you!!!
Mayuri Patel says
I simply love the aroma and flavor of basil. This granita recipe is already bookmarked as by the time I reach home, its going to be super hot and granita will be the dessert to got to. Love the combination of lemon and basil.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 thanks a million Mayuri. Will love to see your take on it.
The Girl Next Door says
Lemon and basil is a match made in heaven. I love how you have paired the two in this granita. Can imagine what a burst of flavours it would be!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Priya.
Sujata Roy says
Granita looks so refreshing chilled and aromatic. Can't wait to try. Basil and lemon, I can imagine the lovely aroma. Loved it.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks
Poonam Bachhav says
Can imagine how delicious this basil and lemon flavored granita must be ! Thanks for the wonderful share.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Poonam.
Swati says
My kids to love basil flavor and i am fortunate to get it in ample amount in stores..I have some lime basil syrup in refrigerator will try this delicious .so refreshing and bursting with flavors!!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Swati. Will wait to see your pictures.
Preethi Prasad says
i have been thinking of making granita for a long time but have not made it. This Simple and flavorful granita looks so tepmting. Would love to try it soon.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Vasusvegkitchen says
Loved the lemon basil granita texture and can feel it's aroma. Its texture reminded me ice gola which I use to have alot in my childhood. As always I loved your clear explanation about granita which helped me alot to know more about it ????
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, dear.
Narmadha says
Granita looks so refreshing and delicious. Basil adds nice flavor to granita. Feel like grabbing the glass now.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Jayasri says
Lemon and Basil two wonderful flavours , wish I could get the summer back again! So, I can make and devour ! Absolutely lovely recipe !
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks, Jayasri.
Sandhya Nadkarni says
I love granitas but hav enot made them myself, so happy to have your recipe.I am not a basil lover but love the other combinations you have mentioned!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sandhya do try them.
sasmita sahoo says
WOW !!!! granita looks really so refreshing here 🙂 Use of basil along with lemon must be adding much aroma and I would love to try after the rain at my place stops fully ;P
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Do try Sasmita.
amrita says
I really enjoy the granita slush with straw...this lemon basil flavour is an absolute show stealler.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Amrita.
Lata Lala says
I love making granitas specially in summers. It's so much fun to have lovely and fresh flavours. Lemon and mint is my all time favourite. It looks slurrpitious.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Lata.
Lathiya says
The temperature is soaring high here. Perfect time to relish this great treat. I love lemons and this sounds great.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Lathiya.
Jayashree T.Rao says
Loved this one, I need to make it as I love the flavours of basil. Easy dessert for summer.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Jayashree.
sapna says
Such refreshing lemon basil granita, will have to wait for next summers to try this refreshing granita.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sapana.
seema sriram says
This is a lovely treat for summer. the flavour of the basil is so soothing when chilled. Loved this Archana
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Seema.
Praneetha says
Lemon and Basil make such a refreshing combo as is. Now with granita, I'm sure it will be all the more refreshing especially for summer. Bookmarking this.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Praneetha.
Seema says
When it is cold , one of the best feeling is to have the icy cold ones. I love how they don't melt so easily so you get longer time to enjoy them! Loving this lemon basil granita.
ArchanaPotdar says
Totally agree the granita does not melt as easy in winter. 😀
Kalyani says
Lime and basil are a fantastic combo to come together in a quick after meal “dessert” like a granita. Summers give an extra excuse to try it asap
ArchanaPotdar says
:D, Thanks Kaluyani.