A refreshing vegan treat for hot summer days. Try it as a cocktail and top with an acidic semi-dry sparkling wine! Or add extra sugar for a dessert reminiscent of key lime pie.
ingredients
yield: about 1 quart
24 oz (3 cups) Coconut Milk, canned
8 oz (1 Cup) Light Corn Syrup
5 grams (2 Teaspoons) Lime Zest, grated
4 oz (1/2 cup, about 3-5 limes) Fresh Lime Juice
1 gram (1/4 Teaspoon) Table Salt
1-4 TB Sugar, optional, to taste
1/2 oz (1/4 cup chopped & packed) Fresh Basil leaves
1 oz (2 Tablespoons) White Rum or Vodka, optional
deviations & tips
Using corn syrup instead of regular sugar achieves a superior scoop and creamier texture with less grams of sugar.
Shake can of coconut milk so that it is properly mixed before measuring.
Sub lemon balm or mint for the basil.
Keep it tart or add sugar for a sweeter dessert.
the method
In a small saucepan, blend together coconut milk, corn syrup, and lime zest. Heat over medium, stirring often, until mixture just starts to bubble. The coconut milk should be melted and fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
Blend in lime juice and salt. Add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to taste. Keep in mind that, when frozen, the dessert will taste less sweet. So, err on the side of sweeter. Refrigerate until VERY COLD- at least 45 degrees (F). This should take about 6 hours.
Blend in chopped herbs and alcohol. A quick whirl in the food processor or blender will ensure the herbs are nicely chopped, but it’s not necessary. Just make sure the herbs are not too big otherwise they’ll gather and twist around the ice cream machine's churning paddle.
Make sure basil is finely chopped.
Add mixture to ice cream machine and process for 30-60 minutes or according to the manufacturer's instructions. When churning has completed, the ice cream should resemble soft serve. For best flavor and texture, transfer to a container and let it freeze for 2 hours or more. The texture should resemble hard ice-cream. Tip: Using a more shallow container for storage will help the sherbet be more scoopable.
Lime & Coconut Sherbet with Basil. Grab a seat on the deck and enjoy!