Valentine Granita Recipe
Dazzling Ruby Red Granita with Mango and Raspberries
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time (Freeze Time): 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Description
A granita is a frozen dessert that’s similar to sorbet, but with a delightful icier texture. This particular Valentine Granita, made with the tropical sweetness of mango and the tartness of raspberries, is not only refreshing but also incredibly stunning with its ruby red color. It’s a perfect treat for romantic occasions, especially Valentine’s Day, but can be enjoyed any time you’re craving a light, fruity dessert. Its simplicity and easy preparation make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The best part? It’s a healthy, vegan dessert that can fit into a variety of dietary preferences while still delivering a mouthwatering burst of flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen Raspberries | 1 cup |
| Mango (peeled and cubed) | 1 medium |
| Fresh Raspberries (for garnish) | As desired |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 218.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 3.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 56.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g |
| Sugars | 51.2 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
Instructions
-
Dissolve the Sugar:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove from heat. -
Blend the Fruit:
Add the frozen raspberries and cubed mango to the saucepan with the sugar-water mixture. Using a blender or food processor, blend everything together until smooth and silky. -
Strain (Optional):
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds. While this step is optional, it’s particularly useful for special occasions where you want a refined, seed-free result. If you’re not fussed about the seeds, feel free to skip this step, as the seeds add fiber and texture! -
Check the Yield:
Once blended, the mixture should yield about 2 cups of fruit purée. This is your base for the granita. -
Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the fruit purée into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Place it in the freezer and let it freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until the mixture becomes slushy and nearly frozen. This is a crucial step, as it creates the base texture for your granita. -
Scrape the Mixture:
After the initial freezing period, use a fork to stir the slushy mixture, scraping the sides of the pan to incorporate the ice crystals. This will help break up any larger ice chunks and begin the formation of the typical granita texture. -
Continue Freezing:
Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, ensuring that it covers the entire bottom. Return the pan to the freezer and allow it to freeze for 8 hours or overnight. This extended freeze time is essential to achieve the icy, granular texture that defines a granita. -
Serving the Granita:
When ready to serve, remove the granita from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, or until it softens just enough to become scoopable. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once scoopable, use a fork to scrape the mixture into light, fluffy ice crystals. Scoop the granita into serving dishes and, if desired, garnish with a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, icy delight of this tropical fruit granita!
Tips & Variations
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or pineapple for a twist on the classic mango-raspberry combo. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Make Ahead: This granita can be made up to a day or two in advance, making it a great option for parties or special occasions where you want to prepare ahead of time.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar version, you can substitute the sugar with your favorite sweetener (e.g., stevia or agave syrup). Keep in mind that this may slightly affect the texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine Granita
This simple yet delightful frozen dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The tropical mango pairs beautifully with the tangy raspberries, creating a vibrant and refreshing treat that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, with its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you don’t need to be a professional chef to make it.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dessert to enjoy with your significant other or a healthy, light treat to end a meal, this Valentine Granita is the answer. The clean, fruity flavors make it a versatile option for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy winter night or a sunny summer day.
Enjoy this icy treat on Valentine’s Day or whenever you crave something delicious, vegan, and refreshingly light!
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Mango Sorbet: A creamy, dairy-free alternative for mango lovers.
- Raspberry Sorbet: If you love the tartness of raspberries, this is a refreshing alternative.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Combine mango, pineapple, and kiwi for a fresh, healthy side dish.
- Frozen Yogurt Bark: A sweet, tangy dessert topped with fresh fruit and nuts.
This recipe for Valentine Granita is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a stunning and delicious dessert. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or just want a healthy treat, this frozen dessert will surely become a favorite in your collection of recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy!
