DELICATE FROZEN GOAT YOGURT WITH ROSE JAM AND BASIL – A REFINED SUMMER DESSERT

While a large granita was the ultimate refreshment in Bologna’s heat, on the island of Korčula I discovered the most delicate and elegant cooling dessert: frozen goat yogurt infused with rose jam and fresh basil.

In the less touristy village of Pupnat, the konoba Mate stands out as the island’s most intriguing restaurant, using local, organic ingredients to craft a refined menu that surprises you in such a tranquil setting. The atmosphere feels like dining in your own backyard—calm, relaxed, and joyful. The passion for food is evident, blending traditional Croatian cuisine with modern reinterpretations, while keeping a strong connection to the island’s heritage.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min (+ overnight draining)

🍳 Freeze Time: 5 hours
🍽️ Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients

350 ml full-fat goat yogurt
3 tsp rose jam or marmalade
8–10 fresh basil leaves
1 tsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Drain the Yogurt:
Place yogurt in a cheesecloth folded four times or a fine muslin cloth. Set it to drain overnight in the refrigerator to remove excess whey.
Prepare the Yogurt Mix:
Stir the drained yogurt with rose jam. Taste and add brown sugar if needed — the yogurt should be lightly sweetened. Homemade yogurt is often less tart, requiring less sugar.
Add Basil:
Finely chop the basil leaves and fold into the yogurt mixture.
Freeze:
Spread the yogurt mixture in a shallow, lidded container in a 2 cm thick layer for quicker freezing. Place in the freezer.
Stir Periodically:
Every hour for 5 hours, remove from freezer and stir vigorously to break ice crystals, ensuring a smooth texture.
Serve:
Serve in dessert cups. If left frozen overnight, remove 5 minutes before serving and scrape the frozen yogurt into flakes with a spoon for a delicate presentation.

💡 Tips

Use high-quality goat yogurt for best creaminess and flavor.
Rose jam provides a fragrant floral sweetness—substitute with other fruit jams if desired.
Fresh basil adds a unique herbal note balancing the floral flavor.
Stirring regularly prevents large ice crystals and creates a creamy texture.

🎉 Perfect For

Elegant summer desserts
Light, refreshing treats
Unique yogurt-based sweets
Special occasions or casual indulgence

📝 Final Thoughts

This frozen goat yogurt with rose jam and basil captures the essence of Korčula’s culinary passion — simple, refined, and deeply connected to local ingredients. It’s a refreshing, sophisticated dessert that delights the palate and cools you on warm summer days.