Pistachio Mint Chip Ice Cream
Ice Cream base adapted from my Strawberry Ice Cream.
Ice Cream base adapted from my Strawberry Ice Cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup honey (may sub 1/2 cup granulated sugar)
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 2 cup milk (2% or whole)
- 1 1/4 cups full fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream (div i like using coconut milk)
- 1 vanilla bean (seed scraped + pods reserved)
- 3/4 cup roasted pistachios (shelled)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (roughly chopped, or m
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios (roughly chopped (optional))
- Carbohydrate 103.754340012968 g
- Cholesterol 30208.32 mg
- Fat 651.033240001126 g
- Fiber 12.4032003583854 g
- Protein 394.256280005073 g
- Saturated Fat 234.157284000295 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2656g)
- Sodium 9514.66051420035 mg
- Sugar 91.3511396545821 g
- Trans Fat 25.8509520001849 g
- Calories 7853 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the milk, 3/4 cup coconut milk (or cream), honey, vanilla bean seeds + pods and mint to a medium size sauce pot and set over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to boil, watching very closely to make sure the milk does not boil over.
- Once the mixture is hot and steaming, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour to infuse the mint flavor.
- In a blender or food processor, combine 3/4 cups pistachios with the remaining 1/2 cup coconut milk (or cream) and puree until completely smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Once the milk has been infused, strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve (strainer) and then press down with a spatula strain as much mint flavor and color as possible. Once the flavor is squeezed out, discard the mint and vanilla bean pod.
- In a medium size bowl whisk the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until the yolks are pale yellow.
- Place the minty milk mixture back on the stove and bring to a simmer, immediately remove from the heat and carefully pour about 1/3 cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Next, add the milk/egg mixture back into the pot of the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
- Place the pot back on the stove and stir the custard over low heat until thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Place a fine-mesh sieve (strainer) over a large heat proof bowl and immediately strain the custard into the bowl.
- Stir in the pureed pistachio cream mixture, salt and vanilla and then let custard cool 10 minutes.
- Cover and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight, stirring as often as possible. If needed, the custard can be quickly cooled in the freezer for 1-2 hours, but make sure to stir the custard every 30 minutes to prevent uneven freezing.
- Once the ice cream mixture is well chilled, freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- During the last five minutes add the chopped pistachios and chocolate chips.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container.
- Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.
- Allow to sit on the counter five minutes before serving, scoop and enjoy!
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Pistachio Mint Chip Ice Cream
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick and easy recipes that still deliver on flavor is a constant quest. I stumbled upon this Pistachio Mint Chip Ice Cream recipe, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Forget those store-bought tubs filled with artificial ingredients and icy textures; this homemade version is creamy, refreshing, and bursting with natural flavor. It's surprisingly simple to make, even for a novice cook like myself, and the results are truly impressive.
The recipe's beauty lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I love that I can adjust the sweetness to my liking and substitute ingredients based on what I have on hand. For example, the original recipe suggested using heavy cream, but I opted for full-fat coconut milk, giving the ice cream a subtly different yet equally delicious taste. The mint infusion adds a delightful, cool freshness that perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavor of the pistachios. And let's not forget the generous chunks of chocolate chips that add a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy base.
What truly sets this recipe apart, however, is its versatility. This ice cream is not just a dessert; it's a culinary chameleon. It's a perfect treat for a hot summer day, a delightful addition to a casual gathering, or even a sophisticated accompaniment to a light dinner. Its adaptability allows for creative twists and variations. Imagine adding a swirl of caramel, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even different types of nuts for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
This Pistachio Mint Chip Ice Cream isn't just about the incredible taste; it's about the experience. The process of making it is therapeutic, allowing me to unwind after a long day. The aroma of fresh mint and pistachios wafting through my kitchen is a delightful reward for my efforts. The satisfaction of creating something delicious and wholesome from scratch is unmatched. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little self-care and a whole lot of deliciousness.
Beyond its culinary merits, this ice cream has become a symbol of family bonding. My kids eagerly help with the process, learning about ingredients and measurements, and sharing in the excitement of watching the ice cream come to life. It’s become our little tradition, a shared moment of joy and connection amidst the everyday hustle.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, I urge you to try this recipe. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, combined with a bit of creativity, to produce something truly extraordinary. It's more than just ice cream; it's a memory waiting to be made, a flavor waiting to be savored, and an experience waiting to be shared.
And who knows, maybe it will even inspire your own culinary adventures. Because sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients and the simplest recipes can lead to the most extraordinary results. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of homemade ice cream. You might just surprise yourself with what you discover.
