Make Lemon Sorbet
Lemon sorbet is a cool, delicious treat, perfect for those hot days of summer. Whether you prefer it light and tart, or sweet and creamy, it's bound to be a hit with lemon-lovers everywhere.
Contents
Ingredients
Lemon Sorbet:
- 1 cup (200g) of sugar
- 1 cup (8oz) of water
- 3/4 to 1 cup (6 to 8oz) of fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 3 tablespoons (15ml to 45ml) of finely grated lemon zest
Zesty Lemon Sorbet:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 lemons, zest and juice from
Creamy Lemon Sorbet:
- 1 3/4 cups/ 350g granulated sugar
- 2 cups/500ml water
- 1 1/4 cups/300ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 lemon, zest from
- 1/3 cup/90ml heavy/double cream
- Candied/glazed lemon peel, for garnish
- Mint leaf, for garnish
Steps
Lemon Sorbet
This recipe yields 2 cups. If you want to make more, simply double the quantities of each ingredient until you have the desired amount. For 4 cups, double once. For 8 cups, double twice, and so on.
- Mix 1 cup (200g) sugar and 1 cup (8oz) water in a small saucepan.
- For a creamier version that's similar to lemon sherbet, you may substitute milk for any amount of the water. The more milk you add, the creamier the texture will be.
- For an even richer, more decadent texture, you can substitute heavy cream for the water. This makes it more of a lemon ice cream and really tones down the tartness of the lemon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes, uncovered.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Add 3/4 to 1 cup (6 to 8oz) lemon juice. This is approximately 5 to 8 lemons depending on their size. Add 1 to 3 tbs. (15ml to 45ml) lemon zest and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer the prepared lemon sorbet from the ice cream freezer to an air-tight container.
- Store in the freezer until you are ready to serve.
- When serving, you can top your sorbet with a mint leaf for a lovely green garnish. Or you can top with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a colorful twist. Even a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest can make for an eye-catching garnish.
- Finished.
Zesty Lemon Sorbet
- Boil the water. Add the sugar. Stir frequently until it has completely dissolved.
- Zest the 3 lemons.
- Squeeze the juice from the 3 lemons.
- Put the lemon juice and water mixture in the fridge overnight. Put the ice cream maker in the freezer overnight.
- Put the lemon juice and water mixture into the ice cream maker the following day. Follow the instructions.
- Remove the sorbet. Serve.
Creamy Lemon Sorbet
- Add the sugar, water, lemon juice and lemon zest to a large bowl. Cover the bowl. Set aside for 2 hours, to strengthen the lemon flavor.
- Remove the cover. Mix the ingredients well until the sugar has dissolved completely. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Add the cream to another bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip until thick.
- Add the whipped cream to the lemon mixture. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the lemon cream mixture to the ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Serve. Place in sorbet bowls or dessert dishes. Garnish with the candied or glazed lemon peel and a mint leaf.
Tips
- To vary a lemon sorbet recipe, you can also add fresh or frozen fruit, either chopped or pureed, depending on the texture you prefer.
- The amount of lemon juice and lemon zest for the first recipe is listed as a suggested range, so you can decide how lemony you'd like your sorbet. If you are not sure, start with the lowest amounts and taste as you go. You can always add more until you are satisfied with the flavor.
- Adding pureed herbs can spice up a lemon sorbet. Try 2 tablespoons (15ml) of basil, mint, lavender or rosemary to add a hint of fresh flavor without overpowering the smooth lemon taste.
- Add a tablespoon lime juice in place of lemon juice for a different flavor.
Things You'll Need
Method 1:
- Small saucepan
- Stirring implement
- Ice cream maker
Method 2:
- Small saucepan
- Stirring implement
- Ice cream maker
Method 3:
- Large mixing bowl
- Stirring implement
- Fine mesh strainer or sieve
- Large bowl for whipping the cream
- Electric mixer
- Ice cream maker
Related Articles
- Make Apricot Sorbet
- Make Mango Sorbet
- Make Lemon Sorbet
- Make Grapefruit Sorbet
- Make Lemon Delicious
Sources and Citations
- http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Lemon-Sorbet http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Lemon-Sorbet - research source
- http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/lemon-sorbet-recipe/index.html http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/lemon-sorbet-recipe/index.html - research source
- Method 3 adapted from: Carla Bardi and Emilia Onesti, Italian Ice Cream', (2007), ISBN 978-88-6098-061-8