Granita is a quick, inexpensive and healthier alternative to ice cream in summer. This recipe for strawberry basil granita needs just 3 ingredients and makes for a delightful icy-cold treat!
I have been woefully behind in making and sharing frozen treat recipes this summer. But that’s quickly remedied with this super easy and delicious strawberry basil granita. Don’t you just want to dig in with a spoon into that icy goodness?
Granita or granita siciliana is a quick frozen treat made with fruit puree or juice, sugar and any flavorings. Granita is frozen solid, then scraped with forks to make crystals resembling shaved ice. It is easy to make, refreshing and a vegan, lactose-free alternative to traditional ice cream.
You can make granita with most fruits, the higher the water content, the better actually. Some fruits that make great granita are watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, mangoes and more. So basically, all kinds of summer fruits like melons, stone-fruits and berries are great options.
You can check out my Watermelon Milkshake Granita here. Omit the milk or replace with coconut milk to make it vegan.
This time, I used up a punnet of fresh strawberries to make strawberry granita. I have been growing herbs in my patio and my basil plant is going crazy right now. I blended a few basil leaves along with the berries to make the most aromatic granita ever.
Just draw a large fork over the frozen granita and scoop the crystals into cups to enjoy. Absolute bliss to beat the summer heat!!
Basil is such a gorgeous herb to work with in summer. I love it in beverages, on pizzas, pasta and more. And it’s super easy to grow. Once planted, it literally grows itself. If you don’t have basil, just use fresh mint leaves. If you are entirely out of fresh herbs, just add a dash of vanilla extract and lemon zest to your strawberry puree. Granita is versatile like that. You can easily make it your own.
You know what, the more I talk about granita, the more my mind is churning, trying to come up with delicious combos. How about granita without fruit? How awesome would a coffee granita be? Or an iced chai granita? What do you think? Should I try it or just stick to fresh fruit granita?
Well, here is the super simple strawberry granita recipe. The recipe needs just 3 ingredients, not counting water, of course.
- Strawberries - 1 lb
- Fresh basil leaves - 5-6
- Sugar - ¼ cup, (see Notes)
- Water - 2 cups
- Blend everything together till smooth. Taste and add more sugar if needed.
- Pour into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze till solid, 6 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a large fork along the granita to break into small crystals. Scoop into bowls and serve immediately.
2. Since strawberries are in season right now, I didn't have to add much sugar. It can be adjusted as per your taste.
3. You can use raspberries, blueberries or blackberries or a combination of berries in this recipe. Sieve the fruit puree to remove seeds and skins if desired.
Dig into a bowl of cold strawberry granita and enjoy the dog days of summer!
Don’t forget to PIN & SAVE this recipe for later.
Hey, how’s summer treating you so far? How are you staying cool? Do you like granita? Do try this easy granita recipe and let me know how you like it.
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I am sharing this over at Fiesta Friday.
Yes, please! I’d like a serving or two! 😍 Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party, Anjana. Have a fun weekend!
Thank you, Jhuls!!