| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 215 | 0.2g | 0g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 50g | 2g | 1.5g | 0.04g |
Why I Love Nigerian Vegan Zobo Sorbet
There are few dishes that make your palate dance as delightfully as a traditional Vegan Zobo Sorbet. I first tasted this Nigerian treasure during my creative ventures on stage, where the cultural diversity of New York City came alive, not only through the performances, but also at the dinner table. A co-actor, of Nigerian descent, introduced me to this cooling wonder, and I’ve been smitten ever since.
A Colorful Combination of Remarkable Flavors
The Vegan Zobo Sorbet embodies a symphony of tastes, blessed by the refreshing sweetness of pineapples and citrus fruits, while subtly spiced with ginger and cloves. Much like the multicultural food mosaic that is New York City, the Zobo Sorbet is an edible testament to the blend of cultures and histories coming together, painting each bite with nuanced flavors.
Not dissimilar to a Mexican Agua de Jamaica or a Caribbean Sorrel Drink in taste, it’s the sorbet rendition of this Nigerian delight that really sets it apart. The granita-like texture, coupled with the fruitiness and a hint of spice, makes it a recipe that stands tall among my culinary favorites.
Paired to Perfection
If you’re wondering about what to pair this sorbet dish with, consider traditional Nigerian dishes such as Jollof rice or Fried plantain. Its refreshing notes cut through the richness of these dishes, complementing them perfectly.
Inspired by the culinary genius of Leah Chase, the Sorbet reflects her philosophy of adding a twist to traditional dishes while keeping their essence intact.
So, whether you’re a seasoned foodie seeking new gastronomic experiences, or you’re simply looking to try your hand at international cuisines, the Vegan Zobo Sorbet is sure to delight your taste buds while introducing you to the rich palettes of Nigerian cuisine. It’s the kind of recipe that not only brings immense joy in the making, but also showcases the power of food as a cultural ambassador.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the Zobo leaves in cold water to remove any dust or dirt. Place the rinsed leaves into a large pot.
Step Two
Add the water to the pot containing the zobo leaves. Put the pot on the stove, turn the heat to high and bring it to a boil.
Step Three
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step Four
In the meantime, prepare the other ingredients. Grate the ginger, zest and juice the orange and lime, chop the pineapple and crush the garlic cloves.
Step Five
After simmering for 30 minutes, turn off the heat and add the chopped pineapple, ginger, garlic, orange and lime juice and zest, and salt to the pot. Stir everything to fully combine.
Step Six
Adding sugar to the pot and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
Step Seven
Once cooled, strain the mixture into a clean container, make sure to press the leaves and fruits to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step Eight
Pour the strained mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any large ice crystals until the sorbet is fully frozen.
Step Nine
Once the Sorbet is fully frozen, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your vegan Zobo Sorbet!
