Shikanji granita with lemon crème fraiche

“It is true that many Indian desserts can be rich and sweet but we do have Indian granitas in the form of a gola. These are little cups of shaved ice, flavoured with your choice of sweet syrups. Shikanji is not a typical flavour- it is the name of a popular lemon drink that is sweet, lightly tangy and gently flavoured with a little roasted cumin powder, black salt and mint leaves. It is really refreshing and moreish. The reason salt was added was to replenish that lost in long, hard days in the sun and the cumin helps cool the body as does the mint. If you don’t want to add black salt (which has a sulphurous smell, but not taste), you can add a little pink salt or no salt at all. It is really subtle and delicious served as a granita and perfect at any time on a hot day. To make it that little bit more special, serve with the simple lemon crème, for a fantastic end to an Indian meal.” Anjum Anand, Anjum's Australian Spice Stories