Arabian Orange Ice – A Refreshing Summer Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding freezing time)
Category: Frozen Desserts
Servings: 4
Description
Before the advent of commercial ice cream in the Gulf countries, homemade ice ices were a beloved treat to beat the summer heat. The simplicity of this dessert is what makes it so special – just a few fresh ingredients like oranges, lemons, and sugar combine to create a refreshing, sweet dessert that’s perfect for those hot summer days. This basic recipe calls for oranges and lemons, but feel free to substitute with any fruit of your choice – melons, strawberries, or even a blend of tropical fruits work beautifully. Ideal for kids and adults alike, it’s vegan-friendly and incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. A must-try dessert for any warm afternoon or evening gathering. From “The Arabian Delights Cookbook.”
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 1/2 cups |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 1/3 cups |
| Orange (rind of) | 1 |
| Lemon (rind of) | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 4.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 61.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 57.6 g |
| Protein Content | 0.7 g |
Instructions
-
Boil the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue boiling for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. If you notice any undissolved sugar or impurities, strain the mixture for a smooth base. -
Extract the Juices:
While the syrup cools, zest the orange and lemon, ensuring you capture the zest from the outermost skin. Juice both the lemon and the orange, making sure to remove any seeds. Add the fresh citrus juice and zest to the syrup, stirring gently to combine. Alternatively, for a smoother consistency, you can blend the mixture in a food processor to incorporate the rinds into the liquid. -
Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the citrus-sugar mixture into a glass or plastic bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer and allow it to freeze until it reaches a slushy consistency – this typically takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the depth of your bowl. -
Beat the Frozen Mixture:
Once the mixture is slushy, use an electric mixer or a food processor to beat the frozen dessert until smooth and creamy. This step helps break up any ice crystals that may have formed, giving the dessert a light, fluffy texture. -
Final Freeze:
After achieving a smooth, ice-like consistency, transfer the mixture to a storage container of your choice. Return it to the freezer and allow it to freeze completely, which will usually take an additional 3-4 hours. The result is a firm, refreshing frozen treat that’s perfect for serving!
Tips for Success:
-
Flavor Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different fruits! Fresh melon, strawberries, or a mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple can be substituted for the orange and lemon for a fun twist. -
Blending:
For a smoother, more homogeneous texture, you can blend the mixture in a food processor instead of manually stirring. This also ensures that the rinds are finely incorporated, giving the ice a more refined texture. -
Serve It Right:
Once fully frozen, scoop the dessert into bowls or elegant dessert glasses. Garnish with fresh mint or extra fruit slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Why You’ll Love It
This Arabian Orange Ice recipe is the perfect summer treat, offering a refreshing combination of citrusy brightness and sweet, cooling ice. It’s naturally vegan, free from dairy, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients – just simple, fresh produce and pantry staples. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, for a brunch, or as a special treat on a hot afternoon, it’s sure to delight. Plus, it’s an excellent base for experimentation, so feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits!
Perfect for:
- Summer gatherings
- Vegan-friendly diets
- Kid-friendly treats
- Quick, no-bake desserts
- Brunch or afternoon snacks
- Freezer-friendly desserts
Let this refreshing homemade dessert become a staple in your summer recipe collection. It’s simple to make, light on ingredients, and guaranteed to cool you down when the temperature rises!
