Lemon Sorbet Recipe
Lemon Sorbet is a simple and refreshing dessert made with fresh lemon juice, zest, sugar, and water. The recipe involves making a sugar syrup, combining it with lemon juice, and then chilling and freezing the mixture. The result is a smooth, tangy sorbet with a vibrant lemon flavor, perfect for hot summer days or as a light, zesty treat after a meal. It's easy to customize and can be made with or without an ice cream maker. Enjoy this homemade, citrusy dessert that's both simple and delicious!
Equipment
- Citrus Zester or Grater For zesting the lemons to get the flavorful outer peel.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer To extract the juice from the lemons easily.
- Saucepan For making the sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in water.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Mixing bowl To combine the lemon juice, zest, and sugar syrup.
- Fine Mesh Strainer (Optional) To strain the lemon juice to remove seeds and pulp.
- Ice Cream Maker (Optional) For churning the sorbet mixture into a smooth, frozen consistency. If you don't have one, you can manually freeze the mixture and stir it every 30 minutes.
- Shallow Freezer-Safe Container (If not using an ice cream maker) To store and freeze the mixture, allowing it to set into a firm sorbet texture.
- Serving bowls or glasses: For serving the finished sorbet to guests.
- Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: To serve the frozen sorbet in neat portions.
Ingredients
- 4 large lemons (for about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and zest)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for balancing flavors)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemons:Zest 1-2 lemons to get about 1 tablespoon of zest. Then, juice the lemons to yield about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp.
- Make the Sugar Syrup:In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine Lemon Juice and Syrup:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sugar syrup with the lemon juice. Stir in the lemon zest and taste for sweetness, adjusting with more sugar if desired. Optionally, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- Chill the Mixture:Place the lemon mixture in the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours until thoroughly cold.
- Freeze the Sorbet:Using an Ice Cream Maker: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes until it reaches a smooth, sorbet texture.Without an Ice Cream Maker: Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours to prevent large ice crystals and achieve a smooth consistency.
Notes
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Fresh Lemons are Key:
- Use fresh, ripe lemons for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it doesn't offer the same vibrant, fresh taste as freshly squeezed lemons.
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Adjusting Sweetness:
- Taste the mixture before freezing. If the lemon mixture is too tart, you can add more sugar to achieve the desired sweetness. Keep in mind that the sorbet will taste less sweet once frozen.
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Chill Time is Crucial:
- Ensure the lemon syrup mixture is completely chilled before placing it in the freezer. This will help the sorbet freeze more efficiently and produce a smoother texture.
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Use an Ice Cream Maker (if available):
- An ice cream maker can give your sorbet a smoother, creamier consistency. If you don’t have one, manual freezing will still work, but you will need to stir the mixture every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
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Storage Tips:
- Store leftover sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be kept for up to 1-2 weeks, but it’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best texture. Let it sit out for a few minutes before serving if it becomes too hard.
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Flavor Enhancements:
- Feel free to get creative by adding extra flavorings, such as a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of fresh mint leaves infused into the syrup. This adds a refreshing twist to the classic lemon sorbet.
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Serving Suggestions:
- For an elegant presentation, serve the sorbet in chilled bowls or glasses, garnished with fresh mint leaves, lemon zest, or a thin lemon slice. This adds a beautiful finishing touch to your dessert.