Coffee ice cream with roasted hazelnuts

Coffee and Roasted Hazelnut Ice Cream - A Flavorful Experience at Home

Who doesn't love a delicious ice cream on hot summer days? Coffee and roasted hazelnut ice cream is the perfect recipe to cool down your warm days and satisfy your sweet cravings. This recipe is not only simple but also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients. Let's explore together how we can create this delicacy at home, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus freezing time)
Total time: approximately 6 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients for ice cream:

- 3 egg yolks
- 250 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g roasted and ground hazelnuts
- 250 g ricotta
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Ingredients for sauce:

- 60 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 30 g butter

A brief history of ice cream

Ice cream has a fascinating history, with roots that trace back to ancient times. It is believed that the first to consume a form of ice cream were the aristocrats of antiquity, who mixed snow with honey, fruits, and juices. Over the years, recipes have evolved, and today we have an endless variety of flavors and combinations. Coffee and roasted hazelnut ice cream is a perfect choice for those who love the intense combination of coffee with the crunch of hazelnuts, creating an unforgettable experience.

Making the ice cream

1. Heat the milk: Start by pouring 250 ml of milk into a saucepan and place it over low heat. It is important not to boil it, just to warm it until it becomes hot.

2. Mix the egg yolks: In a bowl, mix 3 egg yolks with 200 g of sugar and the 2 tablespoons of instant coffee. Use a whisk to achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Warm combination: When the milk is warm, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy ice cream, not a delicious coffee omelette.

4. Thickening the mixture: Place the mixture back on low heat and stir constantly until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes. It should not reach boiling, just achieve a slightly thicker consistency.

5. Cooling the mixture: After obtaining the thickened mixture, let it cool to room temperature. This will ensure an ice cream without ice crystals.

6. Preparing the hazelnuts: If you don't have roasted hazelnuts, preheat the oven to 180 degrees and place the hazelnuts on a tray. Leaving them in the oven for 10 minutes will fill the house with a wonderful aroma. After they cool, grind them in a food processor.

7. Mixing the ricotta: In another bowl, mix 250 g of ricotta until fluffy. This will add a creamy texture to your ice cream.

8. Whipping cream: Separately, whip 300 ml of heavy cream with a teaspoon of vanilla sugar. It doesn't need to be fully whipped, just enough to increase its volume.

9. Combining ingredients: Add the ricotta and whipped cream to the egg yolk and coffee mixture. Use a spatula to combine everything. Then, fold in the roasted and ground hazelnuts, mixing gently with up-and-down motions.

10. Freezing: Pour the mixture into a container or tray and place it in the freezer. It is recommended to stir the ice cream every hour, twice, to achieve a creamy texture.

Making the coffee sauce

1. Heating the ingredients: In a small saucepan, add 60 ml of milk and add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of instant coffee. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.

2. Adding butter: Add 30 g of butter and stir until melted. Once the sauce is well combined, let it cool.

Serving the ice cream

When the ice cream is completely frozen and has a creamy texture, it's time to serve it! Use ice cream cups and pour the coffee sauce on top. You can decorate with whole roasted hazelnuts or a mint leaf for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions

This coffee and roasted hazelnut ice cream pairs perfectly with chocolate cakes or crunchy cookies on the side. It can also be enjoyed with a strong espresso to enhance the coffee flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This ice cream is not only delicious but also nutritious! Ricotta provides quality protein, while hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. Coffee has stimulating effects, and moderate consumption can bring health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can replace hazelnuts with walnuts, almonds, or any other type of nut you prefer.

2. How can I make the ice cream sweeter? You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your personal preferences.

3. What is the best way to store the ice cream? Make sure it is well covered to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it at a constant temperature in the freezer.

4. Can I add additional flavors? Sure! You can experiment with vanilla, chocolate extracts, or even a bit of liqueur for a more intense flavor.

Coffee and roasted hazelnut ice cream is a superb choice to celebrate summer or simply to indulge your taste buds. With every bite, you'll feel how the flavors combine in perfect harmony! So, don’t hesitate, prepare your ingredients and enjoy this homemade delicacy! Enjoy!