Coca Leaf Ice Cream is a homemade frozen dessert that infuses fresh or dried coca leaves into a creamy base. This ice cream captures the essence of Bolivia and Peru, where coca leaves have been used for centuries in teas and traditional remedies.
Coca Leaf Ice Cream is a refreshing and nutritious dessert inspired by the traditional Andean use of coca leaves. Known for their herbal and slightly earthy flavour, coca leaves add a unique twist to this homemade ice cream. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Coca Leaf Ice Cream (Bolivia/Peru) at home, combining traditional ingredients for a one-of-a-kind frozen delight.
Ingredients Needed
To make homemade Coca Leaf Ice Cream, you’ll need:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 3/4 cup sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried coca leaves (lightly crushed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (to enhance flavour)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 4 egg yolks (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds, optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coca Leaf Ice Cream
1. Infuse the Milk with Coca Leaves
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and coca leaves. Heat gently (do not boil) for about 10 minutes to allow the coca leaves to infuse their flavour. Strain out the leaves and set the mixture aside.
2. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until well blended. Slowly add the warm infused milk while whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.
3. Add Flavourings
Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sea salt. Mix until well combined and allow the mixture to cool completely.
4. Freeze the Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a container, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once frozen, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with chopped nuts for added texture and flavour.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh coca leaves if available: They provide the best infusion of flavour.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on personal preference, use honey or sugar accordingly.
- Enhance the aroma: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the flavour.
Now that you know how to make Coca Leaf Ice Cream (Bolivia/Peru) at home, why not try this unique and culturally rich dessert? Enjoy the herbal, creamy flavours of coca leaves in a refreshing frozen treat and let us know how it turned out!
