Recipe: Lemon Sorbet with Mango Chunks

Recipe: Lemon Sorbet with Mango Chunks

Lemon sorbet with mango chunks is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The tartness of lemon combined with the natural sweetness of mango creates a delightful balance of flavors that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. This simple yet elegant treat is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether as a palate cleanser, a dessert, or a sweet snack.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this delicious lemon sorbet, with the added twist of fresh mango chunks. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Sorbet:

• 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8-10 lemons)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional for extra lemon flavor)

For the Mango Chunks:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced into small chunks
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh mint leaves
• Extra lemon zest
• Extra mango slices or chunks for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Sorbet Base

1. Make the Simple Syrup
   In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Add the Lemon Juice and Zest
   Once the simple syrup has cooled, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir the mixture to combine. The lemon zest will add extra fragrance and enhance the flavor of the sorbet.

3. Add Salt and Optional Lemon Extract
   Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors, and if you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Freeze the Sorbet Mixture

1. Chill the Mixture
   Pour the lemon mixture into a shallow dish or a freezer-safe container. Cover and place it in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, take it out and stir it with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Return to the freezer and repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours until the sorbet is frozen and fluffy in texture.

2. Alternatively, Use an Ice Cream Maker
   If you have an ice cream maker, pour the lemon mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will give you a smoother and more consistent texture without having to stir manually.

Step 3: Prepare the Mango Chunks

1. Peel and Dice the Mango
   While the sorbet is freezing, peel and dice the mango into small, bite-sized chunks. If you like, you can toss the mango chunks with a little lime juice to add a touch of brightness to the fruit.

2. Chill the Mango
   Place the diced mango chunks in a bowl and refrigerate them until the sorbet is ready. Chilled mango adds a nice contrast of temperature to the cold sorbet.

Step 4: Assemble the Sorbet

1. Mix Mango with Sorbet
   Once the lemon sorbet is fully frozen and fluffy, gently fold in the diced mango chunks. You can mix them in completely or leave some on top for a more decorative look.

2. Serve the Sorbet
   Scoop the lemon sorbet with mango chunks into serving bowls or cups. Garnish with extra lemon zest, fresh mint leaves, or additional mango slices for an extra touch of elegance.

Step 5: Enjoy!

1. Serve Immediately
   This sorbet is best enjoyed immediately after serving. The combination of the creamy mango and tart lemon sorbet makes for a delightful, refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

2. Storage
   If you have leftover sorbet, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to make scooping easier.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Other Fruits
   You can experiment with other fruits to add to the sorbet, such as raspberries, strawberries, or even passionfruit, to create a different fruity variation.

2. Make It Vegan
   This recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain dairy. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute the water with coconut water or coconut milk.

3. Alcoholic Twist
   For an adult version, you can add a splash of rum or vodka to the sorbet mixture before freezing. The alcohol will prevent the sorbet from freezing too hard, creating a smoother texture.

4. Adjust the Sweetness
   The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your personal taste or the sweetness of the mango. If the mango is very ripe, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the sorbet base.

Health Benefits

1. Lemon
   Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, improves skin health, and provides antioxidants to fight free radicals. The tangy flavor of lemons also helps with digestion.

2. Mango
   Mangoes are a great source of vitamin A, which supports eye health, and they are rich in antioxidants that help improve skin health and protect against oxidative stress.

3. Mint
   If you use mint as a garnish, it adds a refreshing note and helps with digestion. Mint also has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in relieving digestive discomfort.

Conclusion

Lemon sorbet with mango chunks is the perfect dessert for warm weather or any time you need a refreshing, light treat. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet mango creates a flavor profile that is both vibrant and soothing. Whether you serve it as a palate cleanser between courses, a refreshing snack on a hot day, or a delightful dessert, this sorbet is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the refreshing burst of citrus and tropical sweetness in every bite!