Lemon sorbetto, or simply sorbetto as it is known here in Sardinia, is an example of one of the purest and simplest sorbets (originally made from just three ingredients: water, sugar, and lemon) that has become mass-produced.
Prep Time45 minutesmins
Chill Time2 hourshrs
Total Time3 hourshrs15 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 193
Equipment
Ice cream maker
Ingredients
6whole lemons
Zest of 1 lemon, preferably organic
1 1/4cupsgranulated sugar
Scant 1/2cupwater
Scant 1cupcarbonated water (use a salty brand like San Pellegrino)
If you wish to serve this inside the lemons, cut off 1⁄2 inch (1 cm) from the bottom of the fruits to create a flat surface for them to stand upright. Cut the top off (about 1 inch [2 cm] here to create a good hat) and reserve it as a lid. Scoop out all of the flesh as if preparing a Halloween pumpkin and press the flesh through a sieve to obtain the juice for your sorbetto. You'll need 1 cup of lemon juice for the recipe. Freeze the lemon shells before using them to serve the sorbet; they look much more effective slightly frosty and will keep the sorbetto colder longer.If not serving in the lemons, juice enough lemons to get 1 cup fresh lemon juice.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the lemon zest, sugar, and still water and bring to a boil. Simmer until syrupy, 3 to 5 minutes.
Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the syrup into a bowl and discard the zest. Stir in the lemon juice and the carbonated water.
Chill the mixture until cold, at least 2 hours.
Dump into an ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and slushy, about 30 minutes.
Serve immediately, in the hollowed-out lemons, if desired.