| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 0g | 0g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 1g | 0.5g | 0.04g |
If there’s one thing that the great outdoors has taught me, it’s the power of simple, natural flavours to uplift the spirit and nourish the body. On those long walks through the Colorado Rockies, the exhilarating mix of ripe pine, mountain herbs, and the crisp chill of high altitude air is a feast for the senses. It creates a delightful contrast to my usual repertoire of rich game meats, delectable trout dishes, and warming mountain fare. It’s in this spirit of simplicity and natural vibrancy that I find the heart and soul of my favourite fruity indulgence, the Mandarine Sorbet.
The Sweet Tang of Adventure
This recipe integrates everything I love about hiking through the citrus groves in the foothills of the Rockies: the intoxicating aroma of mandarin oranges, the tangy burst of fresh lemon, and a hint of natural sweetness. The Mandarine Sorbet sets my memory alight with reminders of sun-dappled trails and the exhilarating promise of the path ahead.
There’s a simplicity to this fragrant sorbet that belies the complex balance of flavours. It is there, between the sweetness and the tang, where this recipe mirrors so much I treasure about the outdoor life. It’s a glacially refreshing antidote to a warm summer day, and a light, palate-cleansing finish to a hearty mountain meal.
Health and Happiness in Every Spoonful
The Mandarine Sorbet isn’t just a refreshing dessert; it’s a veritable powerhouse of nutrition. It’s packed full of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant-rich citrus. With every bite, you’re doing your body a favour – boosting your immune system, aiding digestion, and providing an invigorating burst of natural energy.
For those following a healthy and balanced diet, this sorbet is a dream come true. It blends sweetness and flavour without resorting to artificial sweeteners or processed sugars. It’s a small but worthwhile victory for those wanting to enjoy life’s pleasures without compromising on health.
Pairing the Mandarine Sorbet
As a standalone dessert, the Mandarine Sorbet is moreish. But, invite it to the table alongside tangy lemon almond tart or sipped alongside a crisp White Zinfandel, and the Mandarine Sorbet becomes a superstar. It provides a sweet, citrusy contrast that lights up these dishes and creates a gastronomic symphony of indulgence that is truly unforgettable.
Enjoy it one lazy afternoon in your backyard, or after a lovely dinner with the one you love. With my partner Gordon, these are the small moments of sweetness that make everything worthwhile. To me, the Mandarine Sorbet is simplicity, vibrancy, and love, condensed into dessert form. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of life.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of fresh mandarin orange juice (approximately 20 mandarins)
- 1 tablespoon of mandarin orange zest
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Method
Step One
Start by making a simple syrup. Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is fully dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool completely.
Step Two
While the simple syrup is cooling, juice the mandarins until you have approximately 2 cups of fresh mandarin juice.
Step Three
Zest a few of the mandarins until you have about 1 tablespoon of mandarin orange zest.
Step Four
Mix the cooled simple syrup, mandarin juice, mandarin zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step Five
Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill it completely. This should take at least a couple of hours.
Step Six
Once the mixture is completely chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Step Seven
Transfer the churned sorbet to an airtight container and freeze it until it’s firm enough to scoop, typically for about 2 hours. Serve and enjoy your homemade mandarin sorbet!
