Garden Mint Sorbet

Garden mint sorbet is a refreshing and light dessert, perfect for hot days or as a palate cleanser between courses. With the fresh, vibrant flavor of mint and a hint of citrus, this sorbet is a delightful treat that’s easy to make. It’s also a great way to use up an abundance of fresh mint from your garden. This recipe serves four, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite.

---

Ingredients:

• Fresh Mint Leaves – 1 cup, tightly packed (about 50 grams)
• Water – 2 cups (500 ml)
• Sugar – 1 cup (200 grams)
• Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons (30 ml), freshly squeezed
• Lime Juice – 2 tablespoons (30 ml), freshly squeezed
• Optional:
  • Zest of 1 lemon or lime for added citrus flavor
  • A few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant appearance

---

Equipment Needed:

• Saucepan: For making the sugar syrup.
• Blender or Food Processor: To blend the mint leaves with the syrup.
• Fine Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth: For straining the mint leaves from the liquid.
• Mixing Bowl: To mix the strained syrup with citrus juice.
• Ice Cream Maker: For churning the sorbet (if available).
• Freezer-Safe Container: To store and freeze the sorbet.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
• Citrus Juicer: For extracting juice from the lemon and lime.
• Spatula: For scraping the mixture into the container and stirring.

---

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 39 grams
• Sugars: 38 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2% of the DV
• Iron: 3% of the DV

(These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

---

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Churning Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on your ice cream maker)
• Freezing Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including freezing time)

---

Preparation and Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mint Syrup:

• Boil the Water and Sugar:
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to form a simple syrup.
• Add the Mint Leaves:
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the fresh mint leaves to the hot syrup, pushing them down with a spatula to ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mint steep in the syrup for about 30 minutes. This allows the mint flavor to infuse into the syrup.

2. Blend the Mint and Strain the Mixture:

• Blend the Mint Syrup:
  • After the mint has steeped, pour the syrup and mint leaves into a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mint leaves are finely pureed, creating a green, minty syrup.
• Strain the Syrup:
  • Place a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a mixing bowl and pour the blended syrup through it to strain out the mint leaves. Press down on the mint pulp with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining mint pulp.

3. Add Citrus Juice and Chill:

• Add Lemon and Lime Juice:
  • Stir the freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice into the strained mint syrup. If you like a more pronounced citrus flavor, you can also add the zest of one lemon or lime at this stage.
• Chill the Mixture:
  • Cover the mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial because the mixture needs to be cold before churning to achieve the best texture.

4. Churn the Sorbet:

• Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:
  • Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the freezer bowl is fully frozen if using a model that requires it.
• Churn the Sorbet:
  • Pour the chilled mint mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes, or until the sorbet reaches a soft, smooth consistency. If you’re not using an ice cream maker, see the alternative method below.
• Optional Green Tint:
  • If you desire a more vibrant green color, you can add a few drops of food coloring during the churning process. Stir it in gently for even distribution.

5. Freeze the Sorbet:

• Transfer to Freezer-Safe Container:
  • Use a spatula to transfer the churned sorbet into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with the spatula and cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap.
• Freeze Until Firm:
  • Place the container in the freezer and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the sorbet is firm enough to scoop. If you prefer a softer texture, you can serve the sorbet immediately after churning.

6. Serving and Storing:

• Serve:
  • When ready to serve, scoop the sorbet into bowls or cones. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon or lime zest for a decorative touch.
• Store Leftovers:
  • Store any leftover sorbet in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sorbet before sealing the container. The sorbet will keep well for up to one week.

Alternative Method (Without Ice Cream Maker):

• Freeze and Stir Method:
  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this sorbet by using the freeze-and-stir method. After chilling the mint mixture, pour it into a shallow freezer-safe dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, remove the dish from the freezer and stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2-3 hours until the mixture is fully frozen and has a smooth, scoopable texture.

---

Tips for Success:

• Fresh Mint: Use fresh, fragrant mint leaves for the best flavor. If the leaves are bruised or wilted, the sorbet’s flavor will be compromised.
• Citrus Balance: Adjust the lemon and lime juice according to your taste. More citrus will make the sorbet tangier, while less will allow the mint flavor to dominate.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the sorbet in chilled bowls or glasses to prevent it from melting too quickly. It pairs wonderfully with light cookies or as a topping for fresh fruit.

---

This garden mint sorbet is a delightful and refreshing dessert that showcases the bright, cooling flavor of fresh mint. Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser, it’s a simple yet elegant treat that everyone will enjoy.