Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream

Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe - Authentic Taste of India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is a delightful journey into the world of homemade desserts. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the creamy, rich flavors that only come from making ice cream from scratch. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The addition of vanilla brings a classic, universally loved flavor to this ice cream, making it a hit among all age groups.

History

The history of ice cream in India dates back to the Mughal era, where ice was transported from the Himalayas to create chilled desserts. However, the modern version of ice cream that we are familiar with today has evolved significantly. The Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is a testament to this evolution, combining traditional methods with contemporary ingredients like gelatin and corn flour to achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredients

4 cups cream milk
2.5 tsp corn flour
1 tsp gelatin
0.75 cup sugar
1 cup fresh cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cup cold milk

How to prepare

Bring 1 cup of milk to a boil.
Boil for 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Mix 2 tbsp of corn flour in 0.5 cup of cold milk, and set it aside.
Add 1 tbsp of sugar to the milk and stir.
Add the corn flour paste to the milk, stirring continuously until it resumes boiling.
Boil for an additional 4-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Sprinkle 1 packet of gelatin over 3 tbsp of water in a small pan.
Allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
Warm the mixture over gentle heat until the gelatin is dissolved. Do not bring it to a boil.
When the boiled milk has cooled slightly, add the gelatin solution and mix well.
Cool the mixture to room temperature, then freeze it in a covered tray until set but not hard.
Break the frozen mixture into pieces and beat with an egg beater until soft.
Add 1 cup of cream and the desired essence, and mix well.
The texture should be light and creamy.
Reset in the freezer until completely frozen.

Variations

For a vegan version, use coconut milk and agar-agar instead of milk, cream, and gelatin.
Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel before the final freeze for a twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your vanilla ice cream turns out perfectly, consider these tips:

- Always use full-fat milk for a creamier texture.

- Dissolve the gelatin properly to avoid lumps.

- When boiling milk, stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Cool the mixture completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

- Beating the semi-frozen mixture before the final freeze will incorporate air, making the ice cream lighter and creamier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vanilla ice cream in a bowl with fresh fruits like strawberries or mangoes for a refreshing dessert. It also pairs beautifully with warm desserts like brownies or apple pie.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include boiling milk, dissolving gelatin, and beating the semi-frozen mixture to incorporate air, resulting in a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin.

- Almond milk and coconut cream can replace milk and cream for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

This ice cream can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve scoops of vanilla ice cream in elegant dessert glasses, topped with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of vanilla bean powder for a sophisticated touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts, including chocolate lava cake, fruit tarts, and classic Indian sweets like gulab jamun.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. There is no need to reheat, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of this ice cream contains approximately 250 calories. The majority of these calories come from the fats and sugars in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of this Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is sugar, which is essential for the sweet taste but should be consumed in moderation.

Fats

This ice cream recipe is relatively high in fats, with about 15 grams per serving. The fats come from the cream and milk, contributing to the ice cream's rich and smooth texture.

Proteins

Each serving of vanilla ice cream contains about 4 grams of protein, primarily from the milk and cream. While not a high-protein food, it does contribute to the overall nutritional profile.

Vitamins and minerals

Milk and cream are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health. This ice cream also provides small amounts of phosphorus, vitamin A, and B vitamins.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are dairy (milk and cream) and possibly gelatin, depending on its source. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this ice cream.

Summary

This Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream is a delicious treat that provides energy primarily through fats and sugars, with moderate amounts of protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

Summary

The Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream is a timeless dessert that combines the rich flavors of milk and cream with the aromatic essence of vanilla. With its creamy texture and delightful taste, it's a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served alone or as an accompaniment to other desserts, it's sure to be a hit.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting a friend in India. We were lounging on her veranda, sipping chai and chatting about our favorite desserts. When I mentioned how much I loved vanilla ice cream, she excitedly told me about a traditional Indian recipe that her grandmother used to make.

My friend's grandmother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family heirloom, passed down through the generations. I could see the pride in my friend's eyes as she told me about the rich history behind this simple yet delicious dessert.

I begged my friend to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. She told me that the key to making the perfect Indian vanilla ice cream was to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to infuse the mixture with the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom and saffron.

I was intrigued by the idea of combining traditional Indian spices with the classic flavor of vanilla. It was a unique twist that I couldn't wait to try for myself. So, armed with the recipe and a sense of adventure, I set out to make my very own batch of Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream.

I started by gathering all the necessary ingredients: fresh cream, full-fat milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cardamom pods, and saffron strands. I was careful to choose the best quality ingredients I could find, knowing that they would make all the difference in the final product.

As I began to heat the cream and milk on the stove, I could already smell the sweet, rich aroma of the dairy mingling with the warm spices. I cracked open the cardamom pods and crushed the seeds, releasing their fragrant essence into the mixture. I added a pinch of saffron strands, letting them steep and infuse their golden hue into the creamy liquid.

Next, I stirred in the sugar and vanilla extract, watching as the mixture thickened and began to simmer. I couldn't help but taste a spoonful of the sweet, velvety liquid, savoring the delicate flavors of vanilla, cardamom, and saffron that danced on my tongue.

After letting the mixture cool, I poured it into my ice cream maker and set it to churn. As the machine whirred and hummed, I could hardly contain my excitement. I knew that soon I would have a batch of homemade Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

Finally, the ice cream was ready. I scooped a generous portion into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded on my palate - the creamy sweetness of vanilla, the warm spice of cardamom, and the subtle floral notes of saffron all harmonizing together in perfect balance.

I couldn't believe how delicious it was. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - a true fusion of traditional Indian flavors with a classic Western dessert. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a cherished heirloom to pass down to future generations.

And so, that is how I learned to make Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream. It was a journey of discovery, creativity, and love - a recipe that has now become a beloved tradition in my own family. I am forever grateful to my friend for sharing her family's secret with me, and for introducing me to the magic of Indian spices in a simple scoop of ice cream.