Fresh Strawberry Granita

Chef John's simple Italian dessert ice has just a few ingredients and brings you the pure, fresh taste of sweet strawberries to refresh you on the hottest of days. Garnish with a sprig of spearmint or a beautiful fresh strawberry.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Calories: 69 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 tiny pinch salt
• 2 pounds ripe strawberries, hulled and halved
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 0.33333334326744 cup white sugar, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Rinse strawberries with cold water; let drain. Transfer berries to a blender and add sugar, water, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and salt.

Step 2

Pulse several times to get the mixture moving, then blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour into a large baking dish. Puree should only be about 3/8 inch deep in the dish.

Step 3

Place dish uncovered in the freezer until mixture barely begins to freeze around the edges, about 45 minutes. Mixture will still be slushy in the center.

Step 4

Lightly stir the crystals from the edge of the granita mixture into the center, using a fork, and mix thoroughly. Close freezer and chill until granita is nearly frozen, 30 to 40 more minutes. Mix lightly with a fork as before, scraping the crystals loose. Repeat freezing and stirring with the fork 3 to 4 times until the granita is light, crystals are separate, and granita looks dry and fluffy.

Step 5

Portion granita into small serving bowls to serve.