Say hello to Beet and Berry Sorbet, a refreshing treat that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the vibrant flavors of mixed berries. Perfect for a summer afternoon or any time you need a pop of color on your dessert plate.
Beets bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making this sorbet stand out. They're the star ingredient that gives the sorbet its unique character. Mixed berries add a burst of tartness and complexity. You can use whatever berries you have on hand, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix just enough to balance the earthy and tart flavors. Water helps soften the beets, making them blend smoothly. Lemon juice brightens the overall flavors, enhancing the fruitiness. A pinch of salt rounds out the flavors, subtly intensifying the sweetness.
Serve your Beet and Berry Sorbet in chilled bowls for a refreshing dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of mint for added freshness. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a slice of pound cake or a crisp wafer cookie.
Start by peeling and dicing about a pound of fresh beets. It's a bit of a messy job, but trust me, the results are worth it. In a medium saucepan, combine your diced beets with 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and let it simmer away for about 20 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the beets are tender enough to pierce with a fork.
Once the beets are cooked to perfection, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Now comes the fun part: add in your 2 cups of mixed berries. This is where the sorbet starts to take on its delicious character. Using a blender or an immersion blender, blend everything until smooth. The color should be a rich, deep hue that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Next, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Give it a taste and see if it hits the right note of sweetness for you. If not, feel free to adjust with a bit more sugar.
Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and pop it in the freezer. After about 2 hours, when the edges start to firm up, take a fork and scrape those frozen edges into the slushy center. Repeat this scraping and mixing every 30 minutes for the next 3 to 4 hours. This is what gives your sorbet that perfect, scoopable texture.
Finally, transfer your sorbet into an airtight container and keep it in the freezer until you're ready to serve. Now, all that's left is to enjoy!