Carrot ice cream

Carrot Ice Cream – A Surprising and Delicious Refreshment

When it comes to cooling off on hot summer days, ice cream is at the top of the list of sought-after delights. But what if you could transform a common ingredient like carrot into a creamy and flavorful ice cream? This carrot ice cream recipe is not only simple but also packed with nutrients, offering you a unique combination of flavor and wellness.

This carrot ice cream is a modern reinterpretation of traditional desserts, based on a combination of simple yet healthy ingredients. Moreover, it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce vegetables into desserts, making them more appealing to children and beyond. Let’s see together how to prepare it!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 12 hours
Total time: 12 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 225 ml carrot juice (ideally with pulp)
- 2 heaping tablespoons powdered milk
- 3 drops of orange essence (or zest from 1/2 orange)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ice cream base
Start by beating the egg yolks with the brown sugar. Use a heat-resistant bowl placed over another container with boiling water (bain-marie). By beating for 5-8 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and changes color, you will achieve a perfect base for the ice cream.

2. Adding the cream
Once you have a homogeneous mixture, add the heavy cream and let the mixture sit in the bain-marie for 1-2 minutes. This step helps to integrate the cream into the mixture, giving the ice cream a smooth texture.

3. Cooling the mixture
Remove the bowl from the steam and let the mixture cool slightly. This will prevent the egg yolks from coagulating when you add the carrot juice.

4. Adding the carrot juice
Once the mixture has cooled, add the carrot juice and mix well. The carrot juice will not only add flavor but also a beautiful orange hue that will catch the eye.

5. Incorporating the powdered milk
Sift the powdered milk into the mixture to avoid lumps. Mix well to achieve a uniform texture.

6. Adding the orange essence
Finally, add the orange essence or grated orange zest, which will provide an extra boost of flavor and perfectly complement the taste of the carrot.

7. Freezing the ice cream
Pour the mixture into an ice cream mold or an airtight container. Place it in the freezer and let it solidify for 12 hours.

Practical tips:
- How to choose carrots: Choose young and crunchy carrots, as they contain more sweetness and flavor.
- Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a more exotic taste. You can also replace the orange essence with vanilla or almond essence, depending on your preferences.
- Serving: The ice cream can be served with a topping of chopped nuts or a few slices of orange. You can also add a flavored caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This carrot ice cream is not just a tasty dessert but also a healthy one. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, helping to maintain eye health and the immune system. The cream provides a dose of calcium, while the brown sugar offers a pleasant taste without being as processed as white sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use grated carrots instead of juice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have carrot juice on hand, you can boil some carrots, puree them, and add them to the mixture for a thicker texture.

- How can I store the ice cream?
You can store the ice cream in the freezer for up to a month, but it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 weeks to enjoy the best texture.

- What drinks go well with this ice cream?
A refreshing citrus drink, such as lemonade or a fruit smoothie, will pair perfectly with carrot ice cream, bringing a refreshing contrast.

This carrot ice cream is not just a creative dessert but also a way to cool off healthily. With every bite, you will not only enjoy a delicious flavor but also the satisfaction of having prepared something unique and nutrient-rich. Enjoy and happy cooking!