| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 0g | 0g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 43g | 1g | 1g | 0.01g |
As a lover of both Southern comfort and West African heat, I find an unusual but delectable marriage of these flavors in the Elderflower and Mint Sorbet. Infused with the intoxicating fragrance of elderflower and the bright zing of fresh mint leaves, every spoonful of this dessert simply sings of summer. If there’s a dessert that embodies my exciting journey across cultures and landscapes in spoonfuls of sweet delight, it’s most certainly this one.
Nature’s Nectar: Elderflower and its Benefits
One of the key ingredients in the Elderflower and Mint Sorbet is the luscious elderflower. A key player in traditional medicine (Medical News Today) , elderflower is known for its host of benefits, including boosting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and even maintaining a healthy heart. The cordial made from this flower, characterized by its sweet, floral aroma and slightly citrusy flavor, is the perfect addition to this sorbet, ensuring that you’re indulging in a treat that’s as beneficial as it is tasty.
Total Mint to Be: Mint and Health
Also intimate to this recipe is fresh mint. Beloved for its versatility and vibrant flavor, mint not only enhances the taste of the dish, but also offers up a number of health benefits. Its richness in antioxidants helps support the body’s defenses (Healthline), and it aids in relieving indigestion and soothing headaches as well. Its inclusion is truly an icing on the cake.
Retracing my roots, back to Nigeria, this sorbet reminds me of a refreshingly sweet dish often served during hot seasons, the ‘Zobo’ drink, a hibiscus tea usually garnished with mint to give it a refreshing note. It feels like a spoonful of homespun warmth, a cool and soothing escape from the hot summer sun.
If you’re thinking about dishes to pair with our Elderflower and Mint Sorbet, consider plating it after a spicy Cajun shrimp dish or spicy jollof rice for a beautiful balance of heat and coolness in your meal. If you want to dress it up even more, serve it as a delightful palate cleanser in between courses, especially when serving heavily seasoned dishes. So, whether you’re savoring it on a hot summer’s day or serving it at an elegant dinner party, this Elderflower and Mint Sorbet will always rise to the occasion.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 2/3 cup of elderflower cordial
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup of mint leaves, tightly packed
- 2 egg whites
Method
Step One
Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Two
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Add the elderflower cordial, the juice of one lemon, and the mint leaves. Allow this mixture to cool completely.
Step Three
When the mixture has cooled, strain it to remove the mint leaves and any lemon seeds or pulp that might have inadvertently gotten into the mixture. Discard the solids.
Step Four
Transfer the mixture to an ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Five
Just before the mixture is finished churning, in a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the sorbet mixture until they’re fully incorporated.
Step Six
Transfer the sorbet to a lidded container. Cover and freeze this for at least 2 hours, or until it’s thoroughly chilled and has a firm consistency.
Step Seven
Before serving, let the sorbet soften at room temperature for a few minutes for the best texture. Scoop into bowls or cones, and enjoy your homemade Elderflower and Mint Sorbet!
