Strawberry ice cream

Strawberry Ice Cream – The Delight of Summer in a Spoon

Who doesn't love a refreshing scoop of ice cream, especially when it's made from the most delicious seasonal fruits? Strawberry ice cream is not just a dessert, but a true sensory experience, an explosion of flavors and textures that melts in your mouth. The good news is that you can make it at home, with simple ingredients and without the need for sophisticated equipment. Plus, it's a quick dessert, perfect for warm summer days when strawberries are in full season.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 5 hours (with stirring)
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g fresh strawberries
- 150 g sugar
- 250 ml cream
- 100 ml milk
- 200 g natural yogurt
- Decoration: grated chocolate, fresh strawberries, wafers

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove the stems and cut them into smaller pieces. Now, place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and add 150 g of sugar. Gently mix and set aside for 10-15 minutes. This process will help release their natural juice, transforming them into a delicious syrup that will enhance the flavors of your ice cream.

Step 2: Creating the ice cream base
In another bowl, pour the cream and mix it gently until it becomes a little firmer, but do not whip it to the point of turning into butter. Add the milk and continue to mix gently. Then, add the yogurt and homogenize everything. The yogurt will bring a note of freshness to your ice cream, also providing beneficial probiotics.

Step 3: Preparing the strawberry puree
Transfer the strawberries along with the syrup into a blender and blend until you obtain a smooth puree. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can keep some strawberry pieces, but I recommend a smooth sauce for creamier ice cream.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Pour the strawberry puree over the mixture of cream, milk, and yogurt. Mix everything with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until the ingredients are well combined. You will notice a pale pink color, promising a delicious taste!

Step 5: Freezing the ice cream
Transfer the mixture into a container with a lid and place it in the freezer. After an hour, take it out and mix well with a fork or with the mixer. This step is essential to break the ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture. Repeat this mixing process two more times at one-hour intervals. After the third mixing, let the ice cream firm up well in the freezer for about 3 hours.

Step 6: Serving the ice cream
Before serving, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This way, it will be easier to form scoops. Serve the ice cream in cups, decorated with grated chocolate, a few fresh strawberries, and crispy wafers. This combination not only looks good but also adds a contrasting texture, perfect to complement the sweetness of the ice cream.

Useful tips:
- You can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, for a varied ice cream.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar by adding a natural sweetener instead.
- Experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla or mint, by adding a few drops of essence to the cream mixture.

Nutritional benefits:
This strawberry ice cream is not only delicious but also full of vitamins. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, helping to strengthen the immune system. Yogurt adds a boost of probiotics, essential for digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them before using to achieve a smooth puree.
2. How can I avoid ice crystals?
Periodic mixing during freezing is key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
3. How long can the ice cream be stored in the freezer?
Strawberry ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, but it’s best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy its freshness.

Combine this ice cream with a refreshing lemonade or a fruit cocktail for a perfect summer evening. Strawberry ice cream is not just a dessert, but a way to bring joy and refreshment on hot days. So gather your friends around the table, serve them this delicacy, and enjoy every spoonful!