When the summer heat kicks in, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a scoop of homemade sorbet. This Plum Ginger Sorbet combines the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe plums with a spicy kick of fresh ginger. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal dessert for cooling down on a hot day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweetness of plums pairs beautifully with the zesty warmth of ginger, creating a sorbet that’s both refreshing and exciting.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few ingredients to make this sorbet, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: This sorbet is naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
- 6-8 ripe plums (about 2 pounds), pitted and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Plums: Start by washing the plums thoroughly. Pit and chop them into small pieces. There’s no need to peel the plums as the skin adds a beautiful color and a bit of texture to the sorbet.
- Cook the Plums: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped plums, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the plums break down and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Ginger: Once the plums have softened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the freshly grated ginger, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Blend the Mixture: Once cooled, transfer the plum mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or skin, if desired. This step is optional but will result in a smoother sorbet.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the strained mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled. This step ensures that the sorbet churns properly.
- Churn the Sorbet: Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze the Sorbet: Transfer the churned sorbet to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop the sorbet into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh plum slices or a sprig of mint.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your plums, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar. Taste the plum mixture before chilling and add more sugar if needed.
- Add a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh mint to the sorbet mixture.
- No Ice Cream Maker? If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this sorbet! Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, until fully frozen.
Storing the Sorbet
- Store: Keep the sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
This Plum Ginger Sorbet is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer. The combination of juicy plums and spicy ginger creates a unique and refreshing treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening at home, this sorbet is a delightful way to beat the heat!