Imagine a hot summer day where the sun blazes high, and all you crave is something refreshing and tangy. Enter the Lemon Basil Sorbet! This delightful combination brings together the zesty punch of lemon and the aromatic freshness of basil. It’s like a summer garden in a bowl, and the best part? You can make it easily at home with your Ninja Creami.
Lemon Basil Sorbet is the perfect treat to cool down with while impressing your friends and family. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply relaxing on your porch, this sorbet is sure to become your new favorite dessert.
So, let’s dive into this citrusy, herby delight and transform your hot afternoons into a refreshing oasis!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 24 hours
- Churning Time: 3 minutes
Ninja Creami Lemon Basil Sorbet
Ingredients
1 cup water 💧
1 cup sugar 🥄
1 cup fresh basil leaves 🌿
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 🍋
1 tablespoon lemon zest 🍋
1 pinch of salt 🧂
Directions
- Prepare the Basil Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes to infuse the basil flavor. Strain out the basil leaves and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled basil syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a container suitable for freezing. Cover and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. The mixture needs to be completely frozen before churning.
- Churn in the Ninja Creami: Once the mixture is frozen solid, remove it from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to slightly soften. Transfer the frozen mixture into the Ninja Creami pint and insert it into the machine. Select the “Sorbet” function and let the Ninja Creami work its magic for about 3 minutes.
- Serve: Scoop out the freshly churned lemon basil sorbet into bowls or cones. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a twist of lemon peel for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Video
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 0g
Flavor Variations to Try
- Lemon Mint Sorbet: Replace basil with fresh mint leaves for a cool, minty twist.
- Lime Basil Sorbet: Substitute lemon juice and zest with lime for a tangy, tropical flavor.
- Lemon Thyme Sorbet: Use fresh thyme leaves instead of basil for an earthy, aromatic variation.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Basil Sorbet
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh basil leaves make a huge difference in flavor.
- Strain Well: Make sure to strain the basil syrup thoroughly to avoid any unwanted basil bits in your smooth sorbet.
- Proper Freezing: Ensure the mixture is completely frozen before churning to achieve the right consistency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Sorbet Too Soft: If your sorbet is too soft, make sure the mixture was frozen solid before churning. Try freezing the mixture longer or letting it sit in the freezer for a bit before churning again.
- Flavor Too Mild: If the lemon or basil flavor is too mild, adjust the quantities of lemon juice, zest, or basil to suit your taste.
- Grainy Texture: Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the water to avoid a grainy texture. If the syrup isn’t smooth, heat it slightly longer while stirring.
Serving and Storing Your Lemon Basil Sorbet
- Serving: Serve your Lemon Basil Sorbet immediately after churning for the best texture and flavor. Add a sprig of fresh basil or a twist of lemon peel for a beautiful presentation.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving again, let the sorbet sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Enjoy the refreshing burst of lemon and the aromatic touch of basil in every bite of this delightful sorbet. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the summer and cool down in the most delicious way possible!