What You Will Need:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Making the Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a simple sugar syrup, acting as a base for your chocolate granita.
Step 2: Adding the Cocoa Powder and Vanilla Extract
Once the sugar syrup is ready, remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually whisk in the cocoa powder until it is fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Freezing the Mixture
Pour the chocolate mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. It should be wide enough to allow easy scraping and mixing later on. Cover the container and place it in the freezer.
Step 4: Scraping and Mixing
After about 1 hour in the freezer, remove the container. Using a fork, scrape and mix the frozen edges into the center. Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours or until the granita reaches its desired consistency. The goal is to create icy crystals that are easy to scoop.
Step 5: Serving the Chocolate Granita
Once the chocolate granita has the desired texture, it is ready to serve. Scoop it into chilled dessert bowls or glasses. Optionally, you can garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or some fresh berries.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade chocolate granita! This frozen delight is a perfect treat for any chocolate lover, and making it at home guarantees a fresh and flavorful experience. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your dessert-making skills!