| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 0.5g | 0g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36g | 1.5g | 1g | 0g |
The Longan and Lychee Sorbet is a delightful diversion from the traditional Italian-American recipes I often create, captivated by family traditions. A refreshing and healthful dessert, it’s a perfect companion to a summer gathering or a light finish to a hearty meal. And, importantly, while its unique flavor is a far cry from spaghetti and meatballs, making it reminds me of my family’s kitchen – it’s a different taste, but the same love.”
A Blend of Eastern Flavors
Originally from Southeast Asia, the longan and lychee are fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants, wonderfully combined in this sorbet. Their exotic heritage lends a touch of adventure to the recipe, transporting you from the sunny trails of Jersey where I do my best hiking, to the lush landscapes of the East. This Longan and Lychee Sorbet is a recipe that marries sweetness, cool refreshment, and health benefits together in a symphony of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Health Benefits Galore
Not only are longan and lychee delicious, but they are also powerhouses of nutrition. Both fruits are high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant linked to boosting your immune system, improving your skin’s health, and reducing heart disease risk. Furthermore, lychees are a rich source of fiber promoting better digestion and longans are known for their calming properties. The inclusion of lime then supercharges this recipe with another vibrant source of vitamin C and fiber. This is a dessert that truly nourishes you from within, as it delights your palate.
Believe it or not, this frosty treat reminds me somewhat of a granita, a Sicilian semi-frozen dessert typically made from sugar, water, and various flavorings. However, our sorbet recipe, with its smooth texture from churning and its unique Asian twist, is a dessert unto its own. This sorbet could certainly hold its own as a refreshing palate cleanser in between courses or play an encore as a grand finale alongside some homemade biscotti or a slice of almond cake.
Learn more about the health benefits of lychee here and discover the healthy attributes of longan here.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh longans, pitted and peeled
- 2 cups of fresh lychees, pitted and peeled
- 1 cup of superfine sugar
- 1 cup of filtered water
- Juice of 2 large limes
- 1 teaspoon of lime zest
- 1/4 cup of light corn syrup
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your fruits. Take your fresh longans and lychees, pit and peel them. Make sure you have 2 cups each of the pitted, peeled fruits.
Step Two
Place the pitted longans and lychees in a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of superfine sugar and one cup of filtered water to it. Stir the mixture over a medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the fruit is soft.
Step Four
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. You can now puree the mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, combine the juice of 2 large limes and 1 teaspoon of lime zest.
Step Six
Pour the fruit puree into the lime mixture and stir well to combine. Add 1/4 cup of light corn syrup and stir again until it’s well combined.
Step Seven
Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can put the mixture in a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals until the sorbet is frozen.
Step Eight
The Longan and Lychee Sorbet is ready. You can now serve it as it is or garnish with some fresh longan and lychee. Enjoy your homemade tropical sorbet!
