Do you know one thing I’ve missed on my fitness journey? Delicious Italian food! I know that good Italian food doesn’t have to be unhealthy, but I’ve just been too lazy to modify any of the recipes I’ve found. You think so, too? Well, wait till you try this yummy Italian ice recipe. It’s low in fat and calories. It’s also all-natural and gluten-free. It still is a bit high in sugar, but it’s a dessert, right?
Banana Italian Ice
I modified this recipe from Sam Kuma’s book: Vegan: Delicious Italian Vegan Recipes for Vegetarians and Raw Vegans
Italian Vegan Recipes
The book begins with a brief introduction to some reasons that people may choose to become a vegan. Kuma mainly focuses on the healthy aspects of a vegan diet but also touches on environmental concerns. Additionally, for interested persons, Kuma includes some transition tips to help you switch to a vegan diet.
Six recipe chapters follow the introduction. They include:
- Sauces
- Breakfast
- Soups
- Salads
- Miscellaneous (which includes a couple of pizzas, a sandwich, and appetizers)
- Desserts
I enjoyed the recipes in this book and would love to revisit the soups category some more. They were hearty and delicious. Of course, the desserts are also worth trying again.
While this book does lean heavily on vegan cheeses, non-vegans can substitute regular cheeses. Many of the recipes (especially the soups) call for ingredients you already have on hand or easily found in most small grocery stores.
One recipe was called “Tofu Shrimp Scampi,” however, there is no actual shrimp in the recipe. The only other thing I can mention on the downside: this book is photo-free. I would love to see an updated version with some photos that capture the essences of these delicious recipes.
Chocolate Italian Ice
Yields: 10 |
This is a modified recipe from Sam Kuma’s book Vegan: Delicious Italian Vegan Recipes for Vegetarians and Raw Vegans.
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup sugar (I used coconut sugar)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 10 oz orange juice (about 1 single serve bottle)
- 6 bananas, diced
- 16 ounces crushed pineapples
- Lemon-lime soda (optional)
- A few mint sprigs to garnish
Bring sugar and water to boiling and cook till sugar dissolves. Stir in chocolate. Set aside and let cool.
Stir well and pour into freezable dish. I used a 11x13 glass baking pan.
Stir in juices and fruit. Mix well.
Freeze.
Remove from freezer about a half hour before serving so it can soften to a slushy consistency.
Serve into glasses. Garnish with mint leaves. Pour lemon-lime soda over (if using) and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 176
- Carbs: 46 grams
- Protein: 1 grams
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
Latest posts by Alicia Taylor (see all)
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Spinach Noodles Recipe - June 11, 2022
- Downton Abbey with Grandma – Gougères Recipe - February 10, 2022
- Pasteli Honey Sesame Bars Recipe - January 29, 2022
- Are Amazon Reviews Trustworthy? How to spot influenced reviews - December 29, 2019
- Coconut Curry Lentil Chickpea Bowls with Kale Instant Pot Recipe - September 30, 2019
21 Comments
Minted Basil Watermelon Granita Summertime Dessert Recipe • TaylorLife
June 14, 2017 - 1:44 pm[…] will probably use my new martini chiller the next time I make my Banana Pecan Ice Cream or Chocolate Banana Italian Ice – or a nice mint […]
Elizabeth O
August 8, 2016 - 1:06 amI love desserts so this caught my attention right away. i like the preparation and beautiful tantalizing photos. The only thing I’ll change is the sugar.
Alicia Taylor
August 8, 2016 - 10:43 amWhat would you use instead?
Elizabeth O
August 9, 2016 - 5:05 pmMaybe a stevia based sweetener.
Alicia Taylor
August 10, 2016 - 12:20 pmThat may work – or monk fruit.
Marielle Altenor
August 6, 2016 - 10:54 pmThat’s a lot of different things in this recipe. I wonder what the banana and pineapple would taste like together.
Alicia Taylor
August 7, 2016 - 11:53 amTropical paradise! Banana and Pineapple go great together.
Nicole Herose Cochingco - Escat
August 5, 2016 - 10:18 pmThis one is really tempting and looks delicious!
I’ll have to try this.
Sabrina Fox
August 5, 2016 - 2:06 pmOh my goodness! This looks incredibly yummy. Just another thing to add to my drink recipe book!
Alicia Taylor
August 6, 2016 - 11:27 amIt’s not a drink. It’s more of a frozen ice dessert.
carrie@thelavenderhytta
August 5, 2016 - 12:58 amThis sounds amazing!
Akhil Sharma
August 4, 2016 - 4:42 pmI am vegan and I really love this recipe; mouth watering and delicious. I wish I could grab it from the screen.
Alicia Taylor
August 4, 2016 - 4:47 pmIt’s absolutely delicious. You would probably enjoy Sam’s other recipe books, as well. They are all Vegan. Keep your eyes on the site. I’ll be reviewing two more of his books this month.
Akhil Sharma
August 8, 2016 - 11:33 amDefinitely
Neely (@Neelykins)
August 4, 2016 - 3:38 pmThis sounds like heaven! I need to try it!
Alicia Taylor
August 4, 2016 - 4:42 pmIt’s awesome – especially when it’s hot out.
Brandy
August 4, 2016 - 12:18 pmWhat an interesting combination, I will have to check this out and try to make it one evening here.
Alicia Taylor
August 4, 2016 - 4:43 pmWell, you’ll need to make it the day before you want it so it has time to freeze.
Liz Mays
August 4, 2016 - 10:46 amThat sounds quite tasty indeed! I’m with you on preferring books with photos though.
Alicia Taylor
August 4, 2016 - 4:44 pmI do, but this book has some delicious recipes.
Liz Mays
August 9, 2016 - 8:24 amThere are always exceptions to the photo rule when the recipes deserve it. 🙂