| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 155 | 0.2g | 0g | 39.7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 34.9g | 0.8g | 0.9g | 0.01g |
As a native New Yorker, I’ve grown fond of many mouthwatering recipes, but one of my absolute favorites has to be the iconic Lychee Sorbet. This icy delight stands out not only for its unique flavor profile, but also for the simplicity of its preparation.
The Luscious Lure of Lychees
Inspired by the eclectic food scene of the Big Apple, this Lychee Sorbet channels the refreshingly sweet and slightly tangy taste of fresh lychees. Originating from Southeast Asia, lychees have graced the plates and palates of many cultures, making their way from local Asian markets to high-rise New York penthouses.
This recipe is similar to other fruit-based sorbets such as Mango Sorbet, but lychees offer a unique aroma and flavor that is more intense and fragrance-rich than its cousins. The taste is simply unforgettable, and triggers a certain nostalgia for Sunday brunches and summer afternoon gatherings. From a health perspective, lychees are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making for a sweet treat that’s also beneficial to your well-being.
Pairing Possibilities
As for dish pairings, the Lychee Sorbet works perfectly with a variety of Asian dishes. For a tantalizing appetizer, consider pairing this sorbet with a platter of small bites like Vietnamese spring rolls or satay skewers. For a main course, a fiery Pad Thai or a comforting bowl of Ramen is an excellent choice. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, this sorbet pairs beautifully with a traditional Thai banana pancake or a serving of sticky rice with mango.
So, whether you’re serving up a fancy dinner on Broadway or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this Lychee Sorbet with its refreshingly cool and tantalizingly exotic taste is bound to leave your palate begging for more.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh lychees, pitted and peeled
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of vodka (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups of water
Method
Step One
Start by going through the lychees and picking out the seeds. Afterward, proceed to peel off their outer layer. This will leave you with the juicy and fleshy part of the fruit that you need for this recipe.
Step Two
Take the peeled and pitted lychees and put them into a blender. Blend the fruit on high until it turns into a puree. You’re aiming for a smooth, lump-free mixture so blend for several minutes if necessary.
Step Three
Place a saucepan over medium heat, add your cup of granulated sugar along with the 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. This is your simple syrup that will sweeten the sorbet.
Step Four
Combine the lychee puree, the simple syrup you just made, and lemon juice into a large bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. This is your sorbet base.
Step Five
If you would like to add some vodka to keep the sorbet from getting too icy, now is the time to do so. Mix in a tablespoon of vodka (this is optional, of course).
Step Six
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically running the machine for about 20-30 minutes.
Step Seven
Once your sorbet mixture has thickened to your liking, transfer it into a freezer-safe container and freeze it for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
Step Eight
When ready to serve, take out your sorbet and let it sit for a few minutes to soften, then scoop and enjoy your homemade lychee sorbet!
