Healthy Raspberry Sorbet

Indulge in this vibrant summer recipe: Healthy Sugar-Free Raspberry Sorbet. This sorbet skips the added sugars for a gentle touch of natural sweeteners with a dash of lemon and mint.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons natural sweetener (such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit), adjusted to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Prep the Berries:
If using frozen raspberries, allow them to slightly thaw. If using fresh raspberries, rinse them and let them drain.

Blend:
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the raspberries, water, and lemon juice. Blend until you have a smooth mixture. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water to help with blending.

Sweeten:
Taste the mixture and add your chosen natural sweetener, starting with a smaller amount. Blend again and taste. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Remember that the sweetness will be slightly muted when frozen, so it’s better to slightly over-sweeten at this stage.

Strain (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother texture without raspberry seeds, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Use a spatula to press the mixture through, leaving the seeds behind.

Chill:
Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours to chill. Chilling the mixture before freezing helps improve the sorbet’s texture.

Freeze:
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.

Freeze Time:
If using an ice cream maker, churn until the mixture reaches a sorbet-like consistency, usually around 20-30 minutes. If using the freezer method, take the mixture out every 30 minutes and stir vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process about 3-4 times.

Final Freeze:
Once the sorbet has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the sorbet to prevent ice crystals from forming on top. Seal the container and place it in the freezer for a few hours or until the sorbet is firm.

Serve:
Allow the sorbet to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving. Scoop the sorbet into bowls, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and enjoy your healthy sugar-free raspberry sorbet!

This sorbet is not only delicious and refreshing but also a guilt-free treat. Remember to adjust the sweetness and other ingredients according to your preferences. Enjoy!