Lychee Granita
Granite is a stone often used to make kitchen countertops. Granita can refer to any frozen dessert made on said countertops. [Photo and Introduction Credit: Alex Paternostro]
by Seth Paternostro
November 27, 2021
Phase changes are an integral part of the culinary arts. In this tutorial, each participant will observe that the dessert is frozen after freezing. If not, then the refrigeration unit may require servicing. Prior to scheduled maintenance, dispose of any and all meat or animal waste products (e.g., leftovers) held within the aforementioned unit. Be advised that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be necessary when cleaning out the affected unit. Do not ingest liquid cleaning agents. If replacement of the unit is required, contact a professional with a handheld circular saw for deconstruction of said unit in accordance with any and all municipal building codes. Melting your refrigeration unit is a prime example of a phase change. Unlike this lychee granita, which can be eaten when melted, do not eat a melted refrigerator.
Serves 6
Total time
30 minutes (plus freezing)
Equipment:
cutting board, chef’s knife or cleaver, large saucepan, can opener, immersion blender or blender, freezer-friendly bowl, measuring cups and spoons, plastic wrap, tasting spoon
Tableware:
sturdy fork, spoons, cups or small bowls
Ingredients
2 x 20 oz. can lychee in syrup
1 cup white sugar
2 tsps cane vinegar
½ lemon
1 sprig of mint
Salt, as needed
Instructions
Set out all equipment and ingredients.
Open the cans, and pour only the liquid into a large saucepan.
Over medium-low, stir in the white sugar and a small pinch of salt until dissolved, then remove from the heat.
Combine with the fruit from 1 can, juice from ½ lemon, and 2 tsps cane vinegar. Blend until smooth.
Add the remaining whole lychees.
Taste, and adjust with more acid or sugar if desired. Note that the flavors will be less intense when frozen.
Let the mixture cool until it reaches room temperature, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze overnight.
Use a fork to scrape out about 1 cup of granita per serving.
Garnish with mint leaves as desired.
NUTRITION FACTS:
Calories 280 Total Fat 0g (0%) Saturated Fat 0g (0%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 35mg (2%) Total Carbohydrate 72.8g (26%) Dietary Fiber 0.1g (1%) Total Sugars 66.5g Protein 0.1g Vitamin D 0mcg (0%) Calcium 1mg (0%) Iron 0mg (0%) Potassium 7mg (0%) - Note: Please read our Nutrition Disclaimer.
Seth Paternostro is a writer and recipe developer based in Chicago. He is a co-founder of Our American Cuisine and graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with an A.B. in East Asian Studies. You can learn more about him here.
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