5 Ingredients or Fewer

Spiced Verjus Granita

by:
July 27, 2013
4
3 Ratings
Spiced Verjus Granita
  • Makes 700mL (about 3 cups)
Author Notes

I had this bottle of verjus from Navarro Vineyards for a while before I finally popped it open because I was not quite sure what I wanted to do with it. It is so mellow and bright that I decided to make a granita.

I do not boil the mixture here because I do not want to kill the bright flavor; just dissolve sugar at room temp and let spices infuse for as long as suits you. This would be good with champagne or as a palate cleanser. Very refreshing.

—Rebecca Vitale

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 500 milliliters verjus (about 2 cups)
  • 100 grams granulated cane sugar (between 1/3 and 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 3 long peppers (aka "pippali," "piplee," etc), chopped roughly -- otherwise substitute 20 whole black peppercorns
  • cold water
Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients except water in a clear glass bottle or a large bowl. Cover.
  2. Let sit at room temp several hours to overnight, swirling occasionally to dissolve sugar (bottle is convenient for shaking).
  3. Strain into a measuring cup. Discard solids. Add a balance of cold water up to 700mL.
  4. Transfer to medium/large metal bowl. Place in freezer. Check every 30min or so, scraping down icy sides to maintain even texture. Repeat every 30min until smooth and completely frozen.
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  • sexyLAMBCHOPx
    sexyLAMBCHOPx
  • Rebecca Vitale
    Rebecca Vitale
Rebecca Vitale

Recipe by: Rebecca Vitale

Devoted farmer's market shopper. Hatching plan to study apiculture and cheesemaking ("bees 'n cheese") in Italy. Cooking on and off the line.

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4 Reviews

sexyLAMBCHOPx
sexyLAMBCHOPx July 27, 2013
Rebecca - where do you buy your verjus? Liquor store or on-line? Any suggestions where to purchase?
 
Rebecca V.
Rebecca V. July 27, 2013
Hello-- I was gifted the bottle in the photograph, conveniently; according to [http://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/05/dining/verjus-a-tart-splash-for-all-dishes.html], as of about 15 years ago there were 3 producers in the US. I think it's probably up by now. A cursory internet browse shows several available online and some discussion forums listing Dean & Deluca, Zabar's, Citarella, and Fairway as purveyors in NYC. I would tend to look more in the oil/vinegar section of a nicer grocery store than in a liquor store, as verjus is non-alcoholic... but it's usually produced by vintners, so who knows! They could want it sold next to their wine. I haven't noticed it in NYC in recent memory, but I also haven't been particularly looking for it. Will post back next time I find something out!
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx
sexyLAMBCHOPx July 27, 2013
Thank you for the info. I'll check out Fairway (5 min. drive) and see what they have!
 
Rebecca V.
Rebecca V. August 12, 2013
Just saw one from Wolffer Estate (Sagaponack, NY) at Union Market for $10.99... any luck yet?