Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Almond Granita: A Taste of Authentic Sicilian Summer
Discover the refreshing almond granita, a classic Sicilian summer treat perfect for any occasion!
📖 What is it
Discover the refreshing almond granita, a classic Sicilian summer treat perfect for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 300g peeled almonds
- ✓ 250g caster sugar
- ✓ 1 vial of almond flavouring
- ✓ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ✓ 650ml water
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the scents and flavours of Sicily with this cooling almond granita, a delightful and refreshing dessert that evokes sunny mornings among blossoming almond groves. Ideal to start your day or to finish a meal lightly, this treat lets you savour the island’s rich tradition spoonful by spoonful.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Place the peeled almonds and sugar in a blender and blitz until you get a fine almond meal.
- 2
Add the almond flavouring and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- 3
Make a syrup by dissolving 50g sugar in 50ml water over a medium heat, then combine this syrup with the almond mixture and blitz again.
- 4
Line a mould with cling film and pour in the mixture, pressing down gently with a spoon. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
- 5
Cut 300g of the set almond block and place it in a bowl with 600ml water, then blend with a hand blender until you have a thick liquid.
- 6
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a freezer-safe container.
- 7
Freeze for 2 hours, then stir with a fork to break up ice crystals; repeat every 30 minutes for 3 hours until you achieve the perfect granita texture.
- 8
Serve the granita in bowls, scraping it with a fork and pairing it with the traditional Sicilian brioche with a ‘tuppo’ (a small bun on top).
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
To boost the aroma, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or some finely grated lemon zest during preparation.
- •
For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of almond milk before freezing.
- •
Use a shaker or hand blender to achieve a finer, smoother granita.
- •
Almonds are the star here, but for a vegan twist, swap almond milk for pure almond water and use unrefined cane sugar.
- •
Enhance the depth of flavour with a pinch of sea salt during mixing.
- •
Patience is key for perfect granita: stir regularly while freezing to prevent large ice crystals forming.
📦 Storage
- • Store the granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three days to keep it fresh and flavoursome.
- • Before serving, give the granita a good stir to restore its characteristic soft, grainy texture.
- • Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain quality and food safety.
🍷 Pairing
Pair your almond granita with a glass of Malvasia from the Lipari Islands, whose floral notes and balanced sweetness beautifully complement the delicate almond flavour. Alternatively, a passito from Pantelleria or a Moscato d’Asti offers an equally elegant and harmonious match.
Making almond granita is like bringing a slice of Sicily to your table—a dessert that tells stories of tradition and fresh summer days. Treat yourself to this lovely indulgence, share it with your loved ones, and let every spoonful whisk you away to the sun-drenched almond groves of this enchanting island.
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