Creamy strawberry ice cream

Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream - A Summer Delight

Strawberry ice cream is one of the most beloved summer treats, perfect for cooling down on hot days and bringing a touch of joy in every spoonful. This simple and quick recipe, with a smooth and creamy texture, is ideal for both kids and adults. By using sweetened condensed milk, you'll achieve a delicious ice cream, full of flavor, that is easy to make without too much hassle.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (about 400 g)
- 200 ml of heavy cream (ideally natural cream, but Meegle cream is a good alternative)
- 150 ml of strawberry sauce (or more, to taste)
- 4-5 tablespoons of natural yogurt

Necessary Utensils

- Mixer
- Large bowl
- Spatula
- Plastic containers or freezing containers
- A small saucepan (for the strawberry sauce)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cream: Start by whipping the cream. Use an electric mixer to achieve a firm cream, but do not over-whip it. The ideal texture is fluffy, which will contribute to the creaminess of the ice cream.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk and natural yogurt. Mix well with a spatula until smooth. Then, carefully fold in the whipped cream to avoid losing air from the mixture. The movements should be gentle, from top to bottom.

3. Adding the Strawberry Sauce: Fold the strawberry sauce into the mixture. It will not only add flavor but also provide a vibrant color to the ice cream. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to how intense you want the strawberry flavor to be.

4. Freezing: Pour the mixture into plastic containers or freezing containers. Make sure to cover them well to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place them in the freezer and let them freeze for about 3 hours.

5. Preparing the Strawberry Sauce: While the ice cream is cooling, you can prepare a delicious strawberry sauce. Mash a few fresh strawberries with an immersion blender, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (be careful, as the sweetened condensed milk is already quite sweet), and cook the mixture over low heat until it boils. Let it cool slightly before serving.

6. Serving: After 3 hours, your ice cream should be perfect! Remove it from the freezer, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly, then serve it in bowls or cones, with a drizzle of strawberry sauce on top.

Useful Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This strawberry ice cream is rich in calcium due to the sweetened condensed milk and yogurt. A serving has about 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of added sugar. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy ingredient.

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, instead of strawberries. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to vary the texture of the ice cream.

- Ice Cream in Other Combinations: This ice cream pairs perfectly with chocolate cakes, pancakes, or can be served alongside fresh lemonade, providing a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweetened condensed milk from another brand? Yes, but the taste and texture may vary. It is recommended to choose a quality sweetened condensed milk.

- Can the ice cream be stored for a long time in the freezer? Although it is best consumed within 1-2 weeks, you can keep it longer, but the texture may suffer.

- What should I do if the ice cream is too hard? Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, so it will soften and be easier to serve.

So, get ready to cool down with this creamy strawberry ice cream, perfect for hot summer days. Whether you enjoy it alone or share the moment with loved ones, every spoonful will bring a smile to your face!