Sicilian almond granita: how to prepare it with or without an ice cream maker

Sicilian almond granita is one of the best known thanks to its particular consistency. The original recipe can be prepared both with and without an ice cream maker.

Almond granita can be prepared either with whole almonds or with a block of almond paste: if you make it with whole almonds you will obtain a rougher but very fragrant mixture , with the paste instead a more homogeneous and quick to prepare mixture. Usually almond granita is consumed for breakfast, or as a snack, accompanied by a brioche.

We will show you how to make the recipe for Sicilian almond granita with a block of almonds, both the bought one and the homemade one. Naturally, if you buy the ready-made dough you will only follow the last part of the procedure.
The preparation is easy and this drink will be just right creamy and not too cloying !

How to make almond granita

1. If you can't find the almond paste , prepare it following the recipe below. Then cut it into pieces of about 1 cm and place it in the bowl of the immersion blender.
2. Pour in the water and blend until you obtain a smooth mixture.
3. Filter it through a sieve to separate the almond milk from the okara , i.e. the fibrous part of the almonds (rich in proteins, iron and calcium and can be used to make biscuits). If you want, you can also skip this step but it will help you obtain a smoother and creamier granita.
4. Transfer it to a low, wide container and place it in the freezer for about 4 hours , mixing it every 30 minutes with a hand whisk or a fork. Serve very cold, accompanying it with whipped cream if desired.

Almond granita with ice cream maker

1. Preparing almond granita with an ice cream maker is certainly less complex. After making the dough and blending it with the water, pour it into the basket.
2. Turn on the device and leave it to blend for 30-35 minutes or until it has a nice creamy consistency.
3. We recommend you enjoy it immediately.

To enjoy almond granita like true Sicilians (who incidentally eat it for breakfast) serve it with brioche with tuppo . This unusual combination works perfectly, try it!

Almond milk granita

A more practical and faster way to make granita is by using whole almonds . In this case you will need:

• 350 g peeled almonds
• 250 g of sugar
• 1 liter of water

Place all the ingredients in a blender or blender with blades at the bottom and blend until smooth. Let it rest for 2 hours then filter it through a fine mesh strainer.

Proceed as the basic recipe, placing it in the freezer for 4 hours or in the ice cream maker for about 30 minutes.

How to prepare almond paste

Almond paste can only be found in the most well-stocked supermarkets so, in order not to give up this delight, here is how it is prepared with just three ingredients:

• 150 g of peeled almonds
• 150 g of sugar
• 2-3 drops of bitter almond extract
• 2-3 drops vanilla extract (optional)
• 25 g of water

Blend the almonds with 125 g of sugar and the two flavorings until you obtain a floury and homogeneous mixture. Then prepare a syrup by combining the remaining sugar and water and pour it while still hot into the mixer, blending again.

Pour everything into a plumcake mold lined with cling film and leave to harden in the fridge for 2 hours before using it in the recipe.

storage

Store the Sicilian granita in the freezer for about a month . Before enjoying it you will need to remove it from the freezer 10 minutes before and then break the crystals by blending it to return it to the right consistency.

Read also

How to make Sicilian granita, a traditional and refreshing dessert with photos and videos to prepare it!