Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup
- Start by bringing the sugar and water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates your simple syrup, which serves as the base for the sorbet. I always believe that starting with a good foundation is crucial in cooking.
Step 2: Add the Meyer Lemon Juice
- Once the sugar-water mixture is clear and bubbly, drop the heat to low. Now, pour in the freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice along with the finely grated lemon zest. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes. The citrus bursts with flavor at this point.
Step 3: Infuse with Basil
- While the mixture cools, it’s time to introduce the basil. I take the fresh basil leaves (make sure they are clean and dry) and toss them into the pot with the lemon mixture. Let them steep for about 10 minutes. This step is key; you want your sorbet to capture the essence of fresh basil without overwhelming it.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
- After letting it steep, use a fine mesh strainer to filter out the basil leaves, capturing the infused liquid. Now you have a beautifully flavored lemon-basil mixture ready for the next stage. The color alone is enticing.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Ginger and Sea Salt
- Next, stir in the grated fresh ginger and sea salt. This tiny addition enhances the sorbet with a touch of warmth and complexity that you didn’t know it needed. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Step 6: Churn the Sorbet
- Here comes the fun part: pouring the mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and churn until it reaches the consistency of softly whipped cream. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t fret! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish, and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first few hours to aerate it—this will keep your sorbet light and fluffy.
Step 7: Freeze and Serve
- Once you reach the desired consistency, transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for at least four hours. When you're ready, scoop, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
Each ingredient in this sorbet plays a vital role:
Meyer Lemons: They’re sweeter than regular lemons, hence the lower sugar content in this recipe. Plus, they add depth to the flavor.
Fresh Basil: This herb isn’t just a garnish; it brings a fresh and peppery note that complements the citrus beautifully.
Fresh Ginger: Adding this ingredient might seem unconventional, but trust me. The warmth it adds is subtle yet significant.
Sea Salt: A pinch can lighten and balance the sharpness of the lemon, making the flavors pop.
Fresh Basil: This herb isn’t just a garnish; it brings a fresh and peppery note that complements the citrus beautifully.
Fresh Ginger: Adding this ingredient might seem unconventional, but trust me. The warmth it adds is subtle yet significant.
Sea Salt: A pinch can lighten and balance the sharpness of the lemon, making the flavors pop.
