Cardamom Ice Cream is a fantastic way to enjoy the depth of this fragrant spice in a delicious frozen dessert. Its warming, floral notes create a luxurious treat that pairs well with a variety of Middle Eastern sweets.
Cardamom, a prized spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, is known for its warm, slightly citrusy flavour with a hint of spice. Often used in teas, desserts, and savoury dishes, incorporating it into ice cream results in a rich and aromatic treat. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make Cardamom Ice Cream, ensuring a perfect blend of exotic flavours and creamy texture.
Ingredients for Cardamom Ice Cream
To make this flavourful dessert, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom or 6-8 whole cardamom pods
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cardamom Ice Cream
Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Cardamom
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and whole cardamom pods over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
- Strain out the cardamom pods (if using whole pods) and set the infused milk aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- In a saucepan, combine the infused milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes light in colour.
- Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Chill and Churn
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for enhanced flavour infusion.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with crushed pistachios for an added crunch.
- Drizzle with honey or rose syrup for extra sweetness.
- Serve alongside baklava or Middle Eastern pastries for an authentic pairing.
Making Cardamom Ice Cream at home is a delightful way to experience the aromatic flavours of this cherished Middle Eastern spice. Whether you love exotic flavours or want to try a new ice cream recipe, this treat is sure to impress.
Try this recipe and let us know how you like it! If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends and explore more Middle Eastern-inspired treats.
