Friday, April 26, 2013

Strawberry Granita – So Forking Refreshing

We never had air conditioning growing up, and the closest we’d get was a visit to the refrigerator. You’d open the door, and let the cool air wash over you, as you pretended to look for something to eat. Of course, after a few glorious minutes, mom would figure out what was going on, and yell to close the door. I wish I had known about this strawberry granita recipe back then.

You can make and serve this gorgeous granita any time, but it’s really best enjoyed during the summer months. Not only because it’s cold and delicious, but also because it forces you to stick your hot, sweaty face in the freezer four or five times to stir. It’s such a bracing and refreshing experience that I almost feel sorry for people that do have AC. Almost.

Besides a welcomed respite from the heat, this mandatory, periodical forking creates the dessert’s signature texture. By breaking up the ice crystals as the granita freezes, you’ll get what looks exactly like ground granite, which is where this sweet treat’s name actually comes from.

I know it’s still early spring, but strawberries are beautiful right now, so why not practice a few times before the serious heat waves hit? By the way, let me be the first one to say it to you this year…it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. I hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!


Ingredients for 8 servings:
(Note: Yes, this will work with other fruit and berry purees)
2 pounds strawberries
1 cup water
1/3 to 1/2 cup white sugar (depending on sweetness of berries)
(Note: I've not tried other types of sweeteners)
1/4 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
very small pinch of salt
*Note: freezing times will vary greatly depending on how cold, empty, large, etc., your freezer is. Just keep checking and forking!

View the complete recipe

19 comments:

BenBarefoot said...

I've "Cheech and Chonged" many things in my life, but never granita. Could you use rasberries? Anyway this looks amazing!

Oh yeah, don't know if you got my email but... Fish Tacos, Bro! I thought you'd be all over that.

Chef John said...

I love fish tacos, but so messy and they never come out as good as they do out. The classic fried foods dilemma! :)

Chef John said...

ATTN: Eric Pepple - please leave the link to your blog off the comment body! Thank you!

Monica said...

If you send us our missing hot weather I will make this. We are going to the Crawfish Fest in Breaux Bridges, LA next week so maybe I can make and take (RV has refridge/ freezer)

Joey said...

I want to make this for my girlfriend, but she is allergic to strawberrys (she's such a pantsy), so I want to ask; can I make this with raspberries or blackberries?
Thanks a lot.

Chef John said...

Yes! See note in ingredients. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Would this recipe work if we replaced the water with alcohol?

Michelle said...

Will eb making this. My husband loves strawberries, but the rest of the family doesn't. I make this and leave it in the freezer. He can eat till his heart is content. And I don't have to worry about it soiling.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Entertaining and yummy, thanks Chef John.

Edward A. Voss said...

I made this for my best friend, his wife, and her friend and they loved it! Thanks Chef!

Unknown said...

I haven't tried making this yet, but I would really like to add vodka to it. I know that alcohol doesn't freeze. Do you think it would still work?

Thanks!

Unknown said...

I really want to add vodka to this recipe, but I know alcohol doesn't freeze. Do you think it would still work?

Thanks!!

Chef John said...

Sorry not sure!

Dbloggy said...

Do you think this recipe would work in an ice cream maker?

Unknown said...

HI John - Just wanting to know if this recipe would work with ice cream or alcohol replacing the water element?

Cookah said...

Hello you awesome person. I am studying to be a cook and I have to make a dessert for four people, and guess what it is from strawberries, the FROZEN ones.

So what I am asking: How should I alter the recipe, to make frozen berries work.

Regards, a person who has watched all food wishes videos

Cookah said...

I wanna make this, but I can only afford frozen strawberries. How should I alter the recipe to make the frozen berries work.

Long time viewer/Cook student

Alicia said...

Follow the link after watching your video for the Lemon Ice and I love anything strawberry so I will be trying this and using granulated Splenda. Crossing my fingers it comes out ok. I see a lot of questions as to alcohol, I'm thinking what the heck, just drizzle some tequila over the top when you serve it. It might melt it a bit but that's what straws are for right!