In this Instructable, I will show you how to make sorbet. This easy strawberry sorbet recipe is awesome. Don't like strawberries? That is okay you can use the same recipe and swap out the strawberries to make raspberry sorbet, blackberry sorbet, mango, pineapple, etc. It is so simple to make using only 3 ingredients with 3 optional ingredients.

What is a sorbet? It is basically a frozen sweetened fruit puree, that is a perfect substitute for ice cream because it doesn't have any dairy.

What is the difference between a sorbet and sherbet? Sherbet has essentially the same ingredients as sorbet, but it also contains dairy.

It is simple to make if I can do it, you can do it. Let's get started!

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Follow the easy steps below or watch the video tutorial or do both. :)

Step 1: Ingredients and Tools

You can print the recipe hereif you like.

Ingredients:

4 to 5 heaping cups of strawberries (or other berries and fruits like mango, blackberries, raspberries, pineapple, etc. It helps if the fruit is frozen first, but it will work with fresh fruit.) (800 to 1000g) Doesn't have to be exact.
1 cup of water (235g)
1 cup of white granulated sugar (200g)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (2ml) (optional)
1 tbsp. lemon or lime juice (15ml) (optional)
1/4 tsp. salt (1g) (optional)

Tools:

Blender or Food processor
Bowls
Freezer safe container for the sorbet
Pot for the simple syrup

Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup

First, we need to make the simple syrup. To do that, take a small pot and add the water and the sugar. Then heat it on medium heat on the stovetop until the sugar melts and it boils, stirring occasionally. Then let it boil for 4 to 5 minutes. Once done remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Strawberry Sorbet

Then add the frozen strawberries to your blender or food processor. If you want to add in the vanilla extract and lemon or lime juice do so now. Next, add in about half of the simple syrup. It is okay if it is still a little warm, just make sure it isn't hot still. Put the lid on and mix, using the ice crush mode first until the big chunks get broken up.

Note: If using a food processor, sometimes it is better to blend up the fruit first before adding in the liquid. A lot of times food processors don't have the best seal when the lid is one, causing fruit liquid to fly out the top, which isn't too fun. But if you grind up the fruit first then add the liquid, it works much better.

Step 4: Getting the Right Consistency

After fully blended and smooth, check the consistency with a spoon. If it is too watery, add in another half cup to cup of fruit. The mixture should be pretty thick, almost gravy-like.

The alternative would be to not add in so much simple syrup. Add it little by little. This method is preferred if you are limited on your fruit. You can also save leftover simple syrup and use it in lemonade or other drinks.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Now pour the strawberry sorbet base into a freezer-safe container. No need to cover it, but you can if you like. Then freeze it for at least 4 hours. The deeper the container the longer it will take to freeze. But you can essentially serve it at whatever consistency you want, a softer serve or harder serve. Scoop some out and enjoy it!

Note: If you use frozen berries, to begin with, it will freeze a little bit quicker.