Lemon sorbet is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for cleansing the palate or enjoying as a light treat on a warm day. This easy-to-make lemon sorbet recipe will guide you through creating a vibrant and tangy sorbet with just a few ingredients. Whether you have an ice cream maker or not, this recipe ensures you can still enjoy a homemade sorbet with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- Honey: 1¼ cups
- Water: 1 cup
- Lemon Zest: 2 tablespoons (from about 4 lemons)
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1½ cups (from about 6-7 lemons)
Directions:
- Syrup Preparation:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon zest, honey, and water. Place over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture constantly until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This process will infuse the syrup with the lemon zest’s flavor, enhancing the sorbet’s overall taste.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Mixing and Straining:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cooled syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This combination will form the base of your sorbet.
- To ensure a smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids, including the lemon zest. This step is crucial for achieving a refined consistency in your sorbet.
- Freezing:
- Using an Ice Cream Maker:
- Chill the strained mixture in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until completely cool.
- Once chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Without an Ice Cream Maker:
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.
- Every hour, scrape the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals, promoting a smoother texture. Repeat this process until the sorbet is completely frozen.
- Using an Ice Cream Maker:
- Serving:
- Once frozen, scoop the lemon sorbet into serving dishes. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If the sorbet becomes too hard in the freezer, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Preparation Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
This lemon sorbet is not only a testament to the power of simple ingredients but also a versatile dessert that can be served in various settings. Enjoy it as a standalone treat or pair it with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance. Whether for a casual family dinner or a formal gathering, this lemon sorbet is sure to impress.
Lemon Sorbet
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Description
This Lemon Sorbet is a delightful way to end any meal, offering a burst of bright lemony sweetness that’s both refreshing and palate-cleansing. Made from real lemons, this dessert boasts a vibrant flavor that perfectly captures the essence of summer.
Ingredients
1¼ cup honey
1 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 4 lemons)
1½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 6–7 lemons)
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon zest, honey, and water. Stir constantly, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
Mix the cooled syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl.
If using an ice cream maker, refrigerate the mixture for about 2 hours or until completely cool, then churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If not using an ice cream maker, place the mixture in a shallow dish in the freezer. Scrape with a fork every hour until frozen.
Once frozen, serve as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours