As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to savor the last of the season’s ripe peaches. This Peach and Thyme Sorbet captures the essence of late summer with its refreshing sweetness and subtle herbal notes. Whether you have an ice cream machine or not, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious sorbet that’s sure to impress.
Peach and Thyme Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet is the perfect end-of-summer treat.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp agave or honey optional, for added sweetness
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once dissolved, remove from heat and let the syrup steep for 15-20 minutes to infuse the thyme flavor.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Letting the syrup cool is crucial for several reasons. If you add hot syrup to fresh peaches, the heat can start to cook the fruit, which can alter its natural and vibrant flavor. Cooling the syrup preserves the fresh, bright taste of the peaches. It also helps with maintaining texture as the hot syrup can cause the peaches to soften or break down, leading to a change in texture that might result in a mushier sorbet rather than one with a smooth, velvety consistency. It’s also important to note that by allowing the syrup to cook, you are ensuring it’s not warm when it enters the freezer or ice cream machine, which can affect the freezing process, potentially leading to larger ice crystals and a less smooth sorbet.
Blend the Peaches
- Place the chopped peaches in a blender or food processor. Add the cooled thyme-infused syrup, lemon juice, agave or honey (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon juice as needed.
Churn the Sorbet: With an Ice Cream Machine
- Pour the peach mixture into your ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-30 minutes, until the sorbet is smooth and thick.
- Once churned, transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
Churn the Sorbet: Without an Ice Cream Machine
- Pour the peach mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan. Place it in the freezer.
- After about 1 hour, when the edges start to freeze, remove the mixture from the freezer and stir it vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up any ice crystals.
- Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until the sorbet is fully frozen and has a smooth texture. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve.
Serve
- Scoop the sorbet into bowls or cones and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a few thin slices of peach for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy this refreshing Peach and Thyme Sorbet as a delightful way to celebrate the end of summer!
What's Your Reaction?
Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0
