Gelato is Italy’s creamy frozen treat, known for its smooth texture and intense flavor, which is churned at a slower rate than ice cream, incorporating less air and leaving a denser final product.
Gelato Recipe:
Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time) Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes (plus freezing time) Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine milk and cream. Warm until foam forms around the edges. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Cool the mixture to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the gelato to a container and freeze until solid.
Enjoy your homemade gelato frozen treat as a delightful reprieve on a hot day or as a sweet conclusion to any meal. Its richness and delicate texture offer a taste of Italian craftsmanship in every scoop.
Gelato is much more than just ice cream in Italy; it’s a cultural institution. Enjoyed at all times of the day, it’s not uncommon to see Italians strolling through piazzas and along cobblestone streets with a gelato in hand, regardless of the season. Gelato shops, or gelaterias, are found on nearly every corner, each boasting a variety of flavors made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Italians take pride in the artistry of gelato-making, often opting for seasonal and locally sourced components. Whether as a mid-day treat or a post-dinner palate cleanser, gelato is savored slowly, allowing one to fully appreciate its rich flavors and smooth, dense texture.