Quandong Ice Cream is an exciting way to enjoy this uniquely Australian ingredient in a modern dessert. Its balance of tartness and sweetness makes it a great treat for those who appreciate bold flavours and native bush foods.
Quandong, an Australian native fruit, is celebrated for its tart yet sweet flavour and high nutritional value. While often used in jams and sauces, incorporating it into ice cream results in a deliciously refreshing treat. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make Quandong Ice Cream, ensuring a perfect blend of fruity sharpness and creamy texture.
Ingredients for Quandong Ice Cream
To make this distinctive dessert, you’ll need:
- 1 cup quandong fruit (fresh or dried, rehydrated)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the tartness)
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quandong Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Quandong Puree
- If using dried quandongs, soak them in warm water for at least 2 hours until they soften.
- Blend the fresh or rehydrated quandongs with sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth puree.
- Strain the puree if needed to remove any fibres and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
- In a saucepan, heat the 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 color.
- 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: Incorporate the Quandong Puree
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the prepared quandong puree, 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 better flavour infusion.
Step 4: Churn and Freeze
- 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 fresh quandong slices or a drizzle of quandong syrup.
- Serve with macadamia nuts for an added crunch.
- Pair with wattle seed shortbread for an authentic Australian experience.
Making Quandong Ice Cream at home is a fantastic way to experience Australian bush foods in a deliciously modern form. Whether you’re familiar with quandongs or trying them for the first time, this ice cream 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 Australian native treats.
