Recipe: Lemon Sorbet with Cherries

Recipe: Lemon Sorbet with Cherries

Lemon sorbet with cherries is the ultimate refreshing treat for hot days. Combining the tart and tangy flavors of lemon with the sweetness of fresh cherries, this sorbet is both cooling and flavorful. It’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light after-dinner treat. The smooth texture of the sorbet pairs perfectly with the fresh fruit garnish, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

This simple recipe uses fresh lemons and cherries, ensuring that each bite is bursting with natural fruit flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker (or a shallow pan if making by hand)
• Spoon or spatula
• Strainer (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup

1. Prepare the Lemons
   Start by zesting one of the lemons and juicing all of them to get about 2 cups of fresh lemon juice. Make sure to remove any seeds during the juicing process.

2. Cook the Sugar Syrup
   In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a simple syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.

3. Combine Lemon Juice and Zest
   Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the sugar syrup, stirring to combine. The zest will add a burst of lemon aroma and extra flavor to the sorbet.

4. Strain the Mixture (Optional)
   If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture to remove any bits of lemon pulp or zest. This step is optional, as some people prefer the extra texture.

Step 2: Churn the Sorbet

1. Cool the Mixture
   Allow the lemon mixture to cool completely in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling the mixture ensures that it freezes evenly in the ice cream maker.

2. Churn in an Ice Cream Maker
   Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The sorbet should take about 20-25 minutes to freeze and reach a soft-serve consistency.

3. By Hand Method
   If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow pan and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes with a fork to break up the ice crystals until the sorbet is firm and smooth (this may take 3-4 hours).

Step 3: Prepare the Cherries

1. Pit and Halve the Cherries
   While the sorbet is churning or freezing, wash the cherries and pit them. Slice the cherries into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. Set them aside.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Sorbet
   Once the sorbet has reached the desired consistency, scoop it into serving bowls or glasses. You can also serve it in small cups for a more elegant presentation.

2. Garnish with Cherries and Mint
   Top each serving of sorbet with fresh cherry halves and a few mint leaves for a burst of color and flavor. The cherries will add a juicy, sweet contrast to the tart lemon sorbet, while the mint gives a refreshing touch.

Tips and Variations

1. Sweetness Adjustment
   If you prefer a sweeter sorbet, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. Start with 3/4 cup of sugar and taste the mixture before churning. You can add more sugar if necessary.

2. Make It Vegan
   This recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses fruit, water, and sugar. Be sure to check that your sugar is vegan-friendly if that’s a concern.

3. Try Other Fruits
   This lemon sorbet serves as a great base for other fruits. You can experiment by adding raspberry puree, strawberry puree, or even a hint of lime for an extra citrusy twist.

4. Add a Splash of Liqueur
   If you're serving this sorbet for an adult gathering, you can add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or limoncello, to enhance the citrus flavor.

Health Benefits

1. Lemon
   Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for skin health, immune function, and overall vitality. They also contain antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.

2. Cherries
   Cherries are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health. They also contain melatonin, which may improve sleep quality.

3. Natural Sweeteners
   The recipe uses granulated sugar, which can be substituted with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for a more health-conscious option.

Conclusion

Lemon sorbet with cherries is a refreshing, tangy dessert that perfectly balances the sweet and tart flavors of fresh fruits. Whether you're enjoying it on a warm summer day or serving it at a gathering, this sorbet is sure to impress. The smooth, citrusy sorbet complemented by the juicy cherries makes for a delightful treat that’s both light and satisfying.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the vibrant flavors of lemon and cherry in every bite!