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Flora Ashbury

Midnight Plum & Cardamom Silk Sorbet

This sorbet is not simply a dessert; it is a moment of pause. A cool, silken spoonful that melts almost instantly, releasing layers of flavour that unfold gently across the palate — first bright and tart, then mellow, then warmly spiced.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 4 perfectly ripe plums gently stoned and cut into soft, generous pieces
  • 200 g fine granulated sugar
  • 240 ml water
  • 1 tsp freshly ground cardamom
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • A delicate pinch of sea salt

Method
 

Prepare the Fruit
  1. Begin by rinsing the plums, then stone and cut them into small, tender pieces, allowing their juices to release naturally.
Create a Light Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the water and sugar over a medium heat, stirring until the liquid turns clear and the sugar has fully dissolved.
Infuse with Spice
  1. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir through the ground cardamom with a whisper of salt. Leave to cool slightly, allowing the spice to bloom and soften.
Blend to Silk
  1. Transfer the plums to a blender, add the lemon juice, then pour over the warm, fragrant syrup. Blend until smooth and fluid.
Refine the Texture (Optional)
  1. For a more polished finish, pass the mixture through a fine sieve, removing any remaining pulp for an exquisitely smooth sorbet.
Chill Thoroughly
  1. Pour the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, until completely cold.
Churn Gently
  1. Transfer to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until it reaches a softly frozen, airy consistency.
Set to Firm
  1. Spoon into a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours, allowing the sorbet to take on a more sculpted texture.
Serve with Ease
  1. Let the sorbet rest briefly at room temperature before scooping, then serve in chilled bowls for a clean, elegant finish.