Are you dreaming of a light, refreshing dessert that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Italian Strawberry Water Ice recipe is the perfect solution for those hot summer days or any time you crave a delicious, healthy treat. Forget complicated recipes and expensive store-bought options; this homemade version is unbelievably simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It’s the epitome of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a delightful anytime snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Optional: A sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates a simple syrup, the base of our delicious water ice.
Infuse the Strawberries:
- Add the sliced strawberries and lemon juice to the sugar syrup. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the strawberries to soften and release their juices. This step intensifies the strawberry flavor.
Blend it Smooth:
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming. Once cooled, carefully transfer the strawberry mixture to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. For an extra-smooth texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Freeze and Enjoy:
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Pour the blended mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the mixture to prevent ice crystals from forming.
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Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid. For best results, remove the water ice from the freezer every hour and stir or scrape it with a fork to break up any large ice crystals. This process creates a smoother, icier texture.
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Once frozen solid, let the water ice sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping and serving. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips for the Best Italian Strawberry Water Ice:
- Use ripe strawberries: The riper the strawberries, the sweeter and more flavorful your water ice will be.
- Don't overcook the strawberries: Simmering for too long can make the water ice taste bitter.
- Cool completely before blending: Blending a warm mixture can result in a less smooth texture.
- Scrape frequently during freezing: This is key to preventing large ice crystals from forming.
Variations:
- Add other fruits: Try blending in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry water ice.
- Spice it up: A pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note.
- Boozy upgrade: For an adult treat, add a splash of your favorite liqueur or fruit-flavored vodka after blending.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your serving and the specific ingredients used. However, as a general guideline, a serving of this Italian Strawberry Water Ice is relatively low in calories and fat, and provides a good source of Vitamin C from the strawberries.
This recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, one of the best recipes for a refreshing summer treat, and a perfect example of delicious dishes you can easily create at home. Enjoy!