Blueberry and yogurt ice cream

Blueberry and yogurt ice cream: a delicious and healthy treat

Who doesn't love summer, with its shining sun and warm days? What could be more pleasant than cooling off with a scoop of ice cream? And when it's made at home, from natural and healthy ingredients, the joy is even greater. Today, I will guide you step by step in creating blueberry and yogurt ice cream, a simple and delicious recipe that combines the sweet taste of blueberries with the creamy texture of yogurt and vanilla cream.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 3-4 hours (stirring every 30 minutes)
Total: approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh or frozen blueberries
- 85 g powdered sugar
- 600 ml vanilla cream (custard cream)
- 200 g full-fat yogurt (preferably with 10% fat or more)

A bit of history
Ice cream is a dessert that has evolved over the centuries, associated with joy and moments of indulgence. In different cultures, ice cream has been made from various ingredients, but the combination of fresh fruits with yogurt or cream has gained popularity due to its refreshing taste and nutritional benefits. Blueberries, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, are an excellent ingredient to add not only flavor but also health to your dessert.

Step by step to dream ice cream

1. Preparing the blueberries
Start by carefully washing the blueberries under cold running water. If you're using frozen blueberries, there's no need to thaw them beforehand. In a small saucepan, add the blueberries along with the powdered sugar and a splash of water. Here, the sugar will help extract the juice from the blueberries, creating a natural syrup.

2. Boiling
Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the blueberries boil for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and release their juice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the blueberries are ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and let them cool completely.

3. Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the vanilla cream and full-fat yogurt. Use a mixer or spatula to combine them well. Then, add the cooled blueberry mixture. Gently stir to preserve as much of the fruit's texture as possible. You can leave some whole blueberries for a more rustic look of the ice cream.

4. Freezing
Transfer the mixture to a plastic or glass container, covered with a lid. Place it in the freezer. Here’s the secret that few knew: to achieve a creamy ice cream, it's essential to stir the mixture every 30 minutes in the first 2-3 hours. This will help break up the ice crystals and achieve a smooth and velvety texture.

5. Serving
After the ice cream has been frozen for 4 hours or until firm, it’s time to enjoy it. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon and serve the ice cream in cups. You can decorate it with a few fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

Practical tips
- For an even healthier ice cream, you can replace the powdered sugar with honey or agave syrup.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, to create delicious variations.
- If you don't have vanilla cream, you can use another dessert cream or even sweetened condensed milk.
- Make sure that the container in which you freeze the mixture is well sealed to prevent the absorption of odors from the freezer.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries are perfect for this recipe. They will retain their flavor and texture after being cooked.

2. How can I make the ice cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a splash of lemon juice to balance the taste.

3. Can the ice cream be stored for a longer time?
Ice cream is best consumed within the first 2-3 weeks, but it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Combine blueberry and yogurt ice cream with other delicious desserts, such as vanilla cakes or lemon tarts for a perfect summer menu. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or a smoothie, will wonderfully complement the culinary experience.

Nutrition
This blueberry and yogurt ice cream offers a wealth of nutritional benefits. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, while yogurt adds protein and probiotics, contributing to digestive health. A serving of ice cream has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and the type of yogurt used.

In conclusion, blueberry and yogurt ice cream is not just a delicious dessert, but also a healthy choice, perfect for warm summer days. With each spoonful, you will enjoy the fresh taste of the fruits and the creaminess of the yogurt, turning each serving into a little summer celebration. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy together a lovingly made dessert!