GRANITA – AN ICY ITALIAN SUMMER TREAT
Granita is a Sicilian specialty that has been enjoyed as a refreshing frozen dessert for generations. This recipe features coffee granita, a quintessential Italian staple, as well granita made with fresh, locally grown Ontario fruit at the peak of summer. With just a few ingredients, this icy delight captures the bright, natural flavours of summer. Whether served after dinner or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, granita is a delicious way to unwind and savour time spent outside with family or friends.
Did You Know?
Coffee makes a wonderful granita flavour and provides a rich source of antioxidants. Research has associated moderate coffee consumption with improved alertness, concentration and several potential health benefits. However, excessive caffeine may interfere with sleep or cause nervousness and headaches. In Canada, healthy adults (not pregnant or lactating) are advised to keep their daily caffeine intake from coffee, tea, energy drinks and pop to 400 mg or less.
Â
INGREDIENTS (6 Servings)
Coffee Granita
- 2 cups (500 ml) strong brewed coffee
- ½ cup (125 ml) granulated, turbinado or coconut sugar
- Coffee beans for garnish, optional
Fruit Granita
- 4 cups (1000 ml) chopped strawberries, raspberries, mixed berries, peaches, or watermelon
- 1 cup (250 ml) juice of choice or water
- 1/3 cup (83 ml) granulated, turbinado or coconut sugar
- Sliced fruit for garnish, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- To make the coffee granita, stir the brewed coffee with the sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- For the fruit granita, combine the fruit, sugar and water or juice into a blender or food processor and blend for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the coffee or fruit mixture into a casserole or baking dish that is at least 8 x 12 inches (20.3 x 30. 5 cm) and place in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Scrape the mixture with a metal fork like using a rake to break up the mixture. Return to the freezer for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Repeat the scraping with a fork to again to break up the mixture. Continue to do this every 30 minutes to 1 hour until the granita is fully frozen and has a fluffy
granulated texture.
- It should take the granita about 2 to 3 hours to reach the correct consistency.
- Scoop the granita into chilled serving glasses or bowls and garnish with either a coffee bean or fresh fruit, if using.
ENJOY!
Coffee Granita Per Serving: Â |Calories: 97 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 0 g | Fat: 0 g |Fibre: 0 g | Sodium: 0.01 mg |
Fruit Granita Per Serving:Â Â Â Â |Calories: 100 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0.3 g |Fibre: 2.5 g | Sodium: 0.01 mg |
Joanne Nijhuis, MSc, RD is a Consulting, Media and Culinary Registered Dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne is currently working on her first cookbook. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com.