Mint ice cream

Delicious Mint Ice Cream Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Infusion time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 4-6

Mint ice cream is a dessert that evokes summer memories, with its refreshing flavors and creamy texture. This simple and quick recipe will turn you into your own gelato maker, bringing a touch of freshness to hot days. Whether you want to enjoy it with a friend during a smile-filled conversation or serve it as a dessert after a special dinner, mint ice cream is the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

- 200 ml milk
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 60 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup of washed fresh mint leaves
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)

A bit of history:
Ice cream, in its modern form, appeared in the 17th century, but its earliest variants were made long before, being appreciated by various cultures for their cooling effect. Mint, an aromatic plant used since ancient times for its refreshing and digestive properties, blends perfectly with the sweetness of ice cream, creating a delight that enchants the taste buds.

Step by step for perfect ice cream:

1. Preparing the mint infusion:
In a saucepan, add 200 ml of milk and bring it to a boil. Once the milk is boiling, remove it from heat. Add the washed mint leaves and cover the saucepan. Let the mixture infuse for 30 minutes. This step is essential to obtain an intense mint flavor, so don't skip it!

2. Straining the infusion:
After the infusion time has passed, use a fine strainer to separate the mint leaves from the milk. Make sure to squeeze the leaves well to extract all the flavor. This is a trick that will help you achieve a more flavorful ice cream.

3. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with the sugar until you obtain a whitish foam. Gradually add the flavored milk, stirring continuously. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and put it on low heat. Stir constantly until the cream thickens. This step is important to avoid lumps.

4. Cooling the cream:
Once the cream has thickened, let it cool to room temperature. Then, fold in the liquid cream and mix well. The cream will add an airy and creamy texture to the ice cream.

5. Freezing:
Pour the mixture into a freezing container and let it freeze for about 3 hours. It is essential to mix the composition every 30 minutes with a fork to prevent ice crystals from forming. This technique will ensure a smooth and creamy ice cream.

6. Serving:
After the ice cream is well frozen, remove it from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes before portioning. You can serve it plain or with toppings like melted chocolate, roasted nuts, or fresh fruits.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh mint leaves for a more intense flavor. Dried mint will not provide the same aroma.
- If you want a more vibrant-looking ice cream, add a few drops of green food coloring. This step is optional but can make the dessert look even more appealing.
- Mint ice cream pairs perfectly with chocolate sauce or a berry puree, adding a touch of freshness.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of mint can I use?
Use fresh mint, preferably garden mint, to get the best flavor. Mint from different species may provide a less familiar aroma.

2. How can I avoid ice cream crystallization?
Mixing the composition every 30 minutes during freezing is essential to prevent ice crystals from forming. If you have an ice cream maker, it will make the job easier!

3. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can replace cow's milk with almond, coconut, or soy milk, but make sure it is unsweetened to maintain control over the sugar in the recipe.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This mint ice cream recipe has about 180 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Additionally, mint is known for its digestive and cooling properties, making this ice cream not only a delicious dessert but also a healthier choice.

Possible variations:
- Substitute mint with basil or lavender for a different and sophisticated flavor.
- Add dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the mixture for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Mint ice cream is a wonderful dessert, full of flavor and texture, that can quickly become everyone's favorite. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family to bring a touch of happiness to their warm days. Enjoy!