Pomegranate Granita
Notes: This coarsely textured frozen dessert is a favorite of Paul Bertolli, chef and co-owner of Oliveto Cafe & Restaurant in Oakland, California. For juice, whirl pomegranate seeds in a blender or food processor, then pour through a fine strainer into a container. For seeds, cut ends off pomegranates. Score skin from end to end with several evenly spaced cuts. Immerse fruit in a bowl of water, then pull apart and rub seeds free. The skin and most of the membrane float; skim off and discard. Drain seeds. For a smooth texture, freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a 9- by 13-inch pan, stir pomegranate juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Cover airtight.
Step 2
2
Freeze mixture until solid, 3 to 4 hours. Break frozen mixture into chunks. Beat with a mixer just until pieces are pea-size. Return granita to pan and freeze, covered airtight, until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, using a zester or grater, cut about 1 tablespoon peel from orange in long, thin shreds.
Step 4
4
With a sharp knife, cut remaining peel and membrane from orange. Hold fruit over a bowl and cut between membrane and fruit to release segments into bowl.
Step 5
5
Spoon equal portions granita into chilled stemmed glasses or small bowls, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds, and garnish with orange segments and orange peel.
Ingredients
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/3 cup orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 orange (about 1/2 lb.)
6 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
Directions
Step 1
1
In a 9- by 13-inch pan, stir pomegranate juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Cover airtight.
Step 2
2
Freeze mixture until solid, 3 to 4 hours. Break frozen mixture into chunks. Beat with a mixer just until pieces are pea-size. Return granita to pan and freeze, covered airtight, until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, using a zester or grater, cut about 1 tablespoon peel from orange in long, thin shreds.
Step 4
4
With a sharp knife, cut remaining peel and membrane from orange. Hold fruit over a bowl and cut between membrane and fruit to release segments into bowl.
Step 5
5
Spoon equal portions granita into chilled stemmed glasses or small bowls, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds, and garnish with orange segments and orange peel.
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