The Dessert Conundrum.
I enjoy serving meals from different cuisines around the globe. I love the diversity of flavors and traditions, and like to bring them to my dining table. The one course that often trips me up is dessert. If I’m making a European meal or something from the Americas, I’m fine — I have a recipe library filled with ideas. But with Asian, South Asian, Persian, or the Middle Eastern cuisine? I’m often at a loss for what to do.
Recently, inspired by my Chicken Ispahan, Mark suggested I create a sorbet that might work for meals from these regions. Of course, as with most good recipe ideas, many people have already thought of this. So I took a nod from several different recipes and created my own, specifically using the lychee syrup I bought to make the chicken. Being sweetened already, I was able to eliminate much (though not all) of the sugar from my sorbet.
Truthfully, while it is the perfect ending for any meal, it also makes a wonderful entremet or palate cleanser between courses of a special meal. Either way, especially with the summer heat upon us, you and your guests will be delighted.
~ David
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angiesrecipes
July 20, 2024 at 5:20 amA very creative combo of flavours…..I grew up eating lots of longan and lychee during summer time when in peak season. I would have never thought of combining lychee with rosewater..now I can’t wait to give it a go! Thanks, David, for this exciting idea!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 20, 2024 at 7:36 amThanks, Angie — This is inspired by the flavors of a pastry in Paris, The Ispahan. It’s such an alluring combination of flavors.
Mimi Rippee
July 20, 2024 at 6:00 amWow! What fabulous flavors!!! Really creative. I love your blog.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 20, 2024 at 7:37 amThank you so much, Mimi — I really appreciate your kind words. And the sorbet — just so good, he said immodestly.
Mad Dog
July 20, 2024 at 6:02 amI bet that taste every bit as good as it looks!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 20, 2024 at 7:37 amThanks, Mad Dog — it really does.
Carolyne
July 20, 2024 at 6:25 amI could eat your photo 😋
Cocoa & Lavender
July 20, 2024 at 7:38 amBetter yet, Carolyne, you should make it!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
July 20, 2024 at 6:38 amI too like serving meals from different cuisines and your creativity in this dessert sounds great.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 20, 2024 at 7:38 amIt’s really fun to do because it helps me learn about flavor combinations and techniques we don’t use here in the States. Thanks, Karen.
Barb
July 20, 2024 at 7:40 amThis sorbet sounds awesome!!! I think it would work with almost any cuisine but would be especially good with spicy foods, such as Cajun. As always, stunning presentation!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 20, 2024 at 7:48 amThanks, Barb — yes, this actually was created to follow a spicy meal and it’s such a nice counterpart. Thanks for your kind words about the presentation!
sherry
July 20, 2024 at 10:51 pmso so pretty David. I think i’ve made a similar dessert years ago. perfect flavour combo!
cheers
sherry
Cocoa & Lavender
July 21, 2024 at 11:20 amIt’s really very refreshing, Sherry! Thanks!
Velva-evening With A Sandwich
July 21, 2024 at 9:21 amGood lord this looks delicious. REFRESHING!!!! I am a fan and I have tried it yet! This is a wonderful palate cleanser too as you progress through a meal.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 21, 2024 at 11:21 amThanks! I keep making it over and over again, Velva, and love it every time! We did serve it as a palate cleanser, and it worked perfectly. It also is wonderful after Middle Eastern or South Asian food!
Ronit
July 21, 2024 at 11:06 amGreat flavors in this sorbet, not to mention the lovely color. I really like the idea of using it as a palate cleanser, maybe in the form of granita. I’ll look for the lychee syrup!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 21, 2024 at 11:21 amI found the lychee syrup at Total Wine. I don’t know if you have that where you live, but it’s a great source for fruit syrups (they are used for cocktail mixers).
Ronit Penso
July 21, 2024 at 12:59 pmI haven’t seen their store anywhere near, but there’s always the online option. 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
July 22, 2024 at 7:48 amWhat would we do without online shipping!?
Ronit Penso
July 22, 2024 at 10:50 amWe got so used to it, and so dependent on it, it’s scary!
Jeff the Chef
July 22, 2024 at 6:00 amWhat an interesting combination of flavors! I love lychee and of course who doesn’t love raspberry. The lime seems perfect in this context, too.
Cocoa & Lavender
July 22, 2024 at 7:47 amThanks, Jeff – it is a wonderful combination, based on a pastry I love whenever I go to Paris!
2pots2cook
July 22, 2024 at 6:09 amAMAZING ! Printing to make!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 22, 2024 at 7:45 amI really think you will love it Davorka!
Marcelle
July 24, 2024 at 12:27 amDavid… I’ve never had lychee… but I’m sure it’s delicious lol You keep expanding these little horizons of mine!! I love the color of this sorbet and I truly want to taste it. It looks sweet and refreshing for a yummy summer treat 🩷
Cocoa & Lavender
July 27, 2024 at 9:56 amI think you would really like this, Marcelle. It’s very light in flavor, but adds such a nice touch to the entire sorbet.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
July 28, 2024 at 3:02 pmI’ve never had a classic Ispahan desserts, but I love the flavour combination – and I’ve used in quite a few things like cocktails and even sauce for crepes. That’s why this sorbet is calling my name – so luscious and full of fresh and tropical flavours!
Cocoa & Lavender
July 31, 2024 at 12:48 pmIt’s perfect if you’re having hot weather, Ben. I’m not sure what it’s like up where you live, but most of the East Coast is sweating these days.
Valentina
July 31, 2024 at 2:11 pmHi David! This first caught my eye on Instagram (maybe FB?). I love how dramatic the lighting is in the photo. What a refreshing dessert, and I can see how it works so well those harder-fo-find-desserts-for cuisines. I think I’d love it at any time of day during the warmer weather. Lychee syrup is a brilliant idea. I love the flavor of lychees, so I must invest in this. 🙂 ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2024 at 8:23 amAs you well know from your work, sometimes photographs work well and sometimes they don’t. This was a good one! I’m glad you like the recipe, and the Luis syrup is so good to use in many things. It does have a decent amount of sugar in it, which means you can reduce sugar in other things when you use it.
Valentina
August 16, 2024 at 5:24 pmGood to know! 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
August 17, 2024 at 9:24 amAnd I forgot to tell you that I get the lychee syrup at Total Wine. In the mixers area.
Raymund
July 31, 2024 at 11:06 pmWith summer in full swing, this sorbet is a real crowd-pleaser that’ll cool you down and keep your taste buds dancing!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 1, 2024 at 8:17 amThanks, Raymund. There are many good flavors in this sorbet.
Pauline McNee
August 11, 2024 at 7:51 pmYou had me with the rosewater and lychee syrup. When fresh raspberries are plentiful I will make this. It looks perfect for our Summer.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 12, 2024 at 11:12 amI’m so glad, Pauline! I think you will love this!
Christina Conte
August 30, 2024 at 11:37 amOh, I would love this sorbet!! And in related content: did you know that there is a lychee liqueur from France? I had it in a cocktail at a local hotel earlier this year, and every time I return I have to order it!