Guava Sorbet

I have been wanting to make sorbet for a while but get dissuaded each time I see that recipes call for an ice cream maker. I know ice cream can be made with a little effort without a machine but if it’s out there in the market, I don’t see why I shouldn’t have it. But I’m only worried that I’ll use it probably 3 times a year and then it’ll end up at the back of my cabinet.

I wanted to make a sorbet in a refreshing tropical flavour and guava seemed to be the perfect choice.

Guava Sorbet

400ml guava juice
25 ml guava crush* (pulp+sugar mixture) mixed with 75 ml water
Juice of 1 lime
100g sugar
200ml water

1. In a sacepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar. Let it boil for 5 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool. (The base of a good sorbet would be a good sugar syrup. This gives it elasticity, so that it can be scooped with ease).
2. Next, stir in the guava juice, the crush mixture and lime juice. For extra flavour, drop the lime wedges in the mixture.
3. Freeze this mixture for an hour (I’d recommend using an air tight container). Discard the lime wedges and then whisk it rigourously to break all the crystals formed.
   
4. Freeze the sorbet for about two hours before beating it again. And then finally a third time after yet another hour.

And there you have your sorbet! You know you can indulge because it’s fat free!

*This gives the sorbet a pretty pink colour and makes it sweeter. If you don’t have this, you can omit it and simply increase the sugar in the syrup. You could also try a raspberry syrup instead.

If you haven’t whipped it regularly, chances are that there will be some crystal formation, which will give you a rough sorbet, but don’t worry we have a euphemism for it – a granita – the rustic version of the sorbet from Italy!

Verdict: My awfully fussy sis loved it. She is quite a difficult person to impress. Once she says she’s happy with what I’ve made I know my experiment is a success.

What I’ll do differently:
I loved the fragrance of mint as a garnish. Maybe I’ll throw in some chopped mint leaves the next time around.

All in all, a fun experiment and so easy to make!

Related posts:

1. Strawberry Sorbet

Tagged as: guava