Blueberry Basil Piraguas

Disclosure: This post was made in partnership with the US Highbush Blueberry Council. Thank you for supporting the work we’re doing at Food Heaven! 

Summer is HERE (!!!)  and we thought it would be appropriate to highlight a refreshing and hydrating recipe that has a lot of personal value to us. For those of you who are thinking, piragua who? Piraguas are those upside down cone-shaped, shaved ice treats that vendors sell on the streets of New York City during the hot summer months. This cooling treat is a staple in Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

In fact, my grandfather (Wendy speaking) sold piraguas when he first immigrated to the United States decades ago. If you have ever traveled to Puerto Rico before, there is a high probability that you have encountered a colorful cart selling Piraguas during your trip. Wanna see piraguas in action? Check out this video from Jess’ trip to Puerto Rico 10 years ago (within 5 minutes of landing, a Piragua cart was spotted). 

The word piragua is derived from combining the words pirámide (pyramid) and agua (water). Traditionally, the ice is hand-shaved with an instrument called a cepillo, which means “a brush” in Spanish. After shaving the ice, it’s covered with a flavored syrup and then given to the customer to either start eating right away or sip out of a small straw. Typical flavors include coco (coconut), limón (lemon), and melón (watermelon).

We added our own twist to this beloved treat by using blueberries as the primary ingredient. Instead of an artificial syrup, we created our own flavors using whole foods like lime, mango, basil, and maple syrup. We also made it ridiculously easy to recreate this recipe in your own kitchen, because most people don’t have a cepillo (brush) and ice machine on deck.

Aside from the taste, our favorite part about this recipe is it’s gorgeous blue color. This comes from anthocyanins, a water-soluble pigment that imparts colors ranging from blue and purple to shades of red in fruits and vegetables. We used frozen blueberries for this recipes because they are a convenient and cost-effective way to help you eat nutritiously. In fact, one cup of blueberries provides a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.

Let’s get this piragua party started! Add the fresh or frozen blueberries and lime juice to a small pot, and cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes. Make sure to mash the blueberries with a large spoon or pestle as they’re cooking to help release their juices. Once done, allow to cool, and add the cooked blueberries to a blender with the basil, mango, maple syrup, and water. Blend well into a smooth, consistent syrup. Set aside.

Add the ice cubes to a food processor, and pulse for 15-20 seconds, or until the ice is grounded into fine ice. Scoop the shaved ice into two small bowls or cups/jars that are at least 8oz+. Don’t pack the ice tightly into your serving cup. You want to make sure there’s enough space for the syrup to penetrate. Add the homemade blueberry syrup onto the shaved ice, and let it drizzle all the way to the bottom and let it fill its way up to the rim. Enjoy immediately with a spoon or straw!

If you try this recipe, make sure to let us know how you liked it in the comments below and tag us in your creation on instagram (@foodheaven). Catch you next time! xo