Fancy Schmancy Citrus Granita

Cool off in style with this vibrant and refreshing Fancy Schmancy Citrus Granita—a show-stopping frozen dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. Bursting with zesty flavors from fresh oranges, lemons, and limes, this recipe beautifully balances tart and sweet with the addition of a homemade citrus-infused syrup. The secret to its perfectly fluffy, icy texture lies in scraping and stirring the mixture as it freezes, creating delicate crystals that practically melt in your mouth. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this granita is a go-to for entertaining or indulging in a light, palate-cleansing treat. Serve it in elegant chilled glasses, adorned with a mint leaf garnish for a touch of sophistication. Perfect for summer evenings or any occasion where citrus desserts and frozen confections take center stage.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 Oranges
• 2 Lemons
• 2 Limes
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cups Water
• 4 leaves Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

1. Zest one orange, one lemon, and one lime, ensuring to only remove the colored part of the peels and not the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside.

Step 2

2. Juice the oranges, lemons, and limes until you have approximately 1.5 cups of fresh citrus juice. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp, and set it aside.

Step 3

3. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and the reserved citrus zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 10 minutes.

Step 4

4. Once the syrup has cooled slightly, mix it with the strained citrus juice in a large bowl. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

5. Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish (such as a glass baking dish). Place it in the freezer.

Step 6

6. After 45 minutes, check the granita. Use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals. This step helps to achieve a fluffy texture.

Step 7

7. Continue scraping and stirring the granita every 30 minutes for the next 2-3 hours, or until the entire mixture is frozen and has a light, icy consistency.

Step 8

8. To serve, fluff the granita with a fork and spoon it into chilled serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1012 grams (1012.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	662

Total Fat 1.20g	2%
Saturated Fat 0.10g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 18mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 177.70g	65%
Dietary Fiber 16.30g	58%
Total Sugars 140.80g
Protein 6.20g	12%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 274mg	21%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 1002mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.4%

Protein: 3.3%

Carbs: 95.2%