In Italy, the word gelato is used to refer to all types of frozen sweets, but the whole world recognizes gelato as an ice cream-like confection that is often topped with jam, caramel or chocolate. Gelato is made with milk instead of cream, and little or no egg gives it a sharper taste and thicker consistency than regular ice cream. Read on to find out how to make your own gelato at home.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (591 ml) milk
- 5 eggs
- 1/2 cup (142 g) granulated sugar
- One teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (to taste)
- 1 cup (237 ml) food flavoring such as strawberry juice or chocolate (to taste)
- Mixed chocolate chips, fruit chunks, or caramel (to taste)
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making the Basic Dough
Step 1. Fill a shallow pot with water and bring to a boil
The pot you are using should be large enough to accommodate a small heat-resistant bowl.
Step 2. Separate the egg yolks from the whites
Place 2 bowls or other containers on a clean, flat surface. Use one container for the egg whites and the other for the yolks. Place one egg in the crook of your palm, then slowly separate your fingers, crack the egg and let the egg white flow through between your fingers, holding the yolk over your hand. When all the whites have come out through your fingers into the bowl, and only the yolks are left in your hands, place the yolks in another bowl. Repeat this process on all 5 eggs.
Step 3. Heat the milk
Put the milk in a saucepan and heat it over medium to high heat. Wait for it to foam, then reduce the heat slowly.
Step 4. Beat egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl
Whisk as you heat the milk, as you will need to mix the two quickly. Beat eggs and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- This mixture is ready when it thickens slightly. Shake for at least 2 minutes.
- If you are using an extract such as vanilla or almond, add this extract to the egg mixture.
Step 5. Stir the milk into the egg mixture
Slowly pour in the milk while the mixer is working. Don't add it too quickly because the heat of the milk can cook the eggs. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick like cream.
Step 6. Place the bowl in a pot of boiling water and stir
Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture until it is gently cooked. This mixture will begin to thicken like pudding. This mixture will be ready when it peels off the spoon completely when removed from the bowl. Remove from the stove and allow to cool.
- Don't let water get into the bowl. This can affect the texture of the pudding mix and cause it to cook unevenly.
- Use a wooden spoon, not a metal spoon. A metal spoon can spoil the taste of the gelato pudding mix.
Method 2 of 3: Adding Flavors
Step 1. Flavor the gelato
Once the basic dough is ready, you can add any flavor to it. Consider adding fruit, chocolate, caramel, and other mixes to enhance the flavor of your gelato.
- For fruit-flavored gelato, prepare your favorite fruit or berry juice, add it to the gelato mixture while still at room temperature.
- Make vanilla gelato by splitting a vanilla bean in the middle and adding it to the cream before bringing it to a boil. Remove the vanilla beans once you start mixing the eggs with the cream.
- Chocolate gelato can be made by adding melted chocolate to the gelato base. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before adding it in.
Step 2. Add the seasoning mixture
Complete the flavor of your gelato by adding a mix of flavorings to create different textures and flavors. Choose a flavor mix that will complement the flavor you chose in your gelato base mix.
- You can also add chopped fresh fruit or dried fruit to the gelato. Choose fruit that is overripe for the best taste.
- Nuts or chocolate chips will give it a delicious crunch.
- Consider adding cinnamon or any other spice you like.
- Chopped candies can also provide a more delicious touch.
Method 3 of 3: Freezing Gelato
Step 1. Chill the gelato in the refrigerator
Cover the gelato bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 3 hours to cool before placing it in the ice cream freezer.
Step 2. Put the gelato in the ice cream freezer
Freeze according to the instructions listed in the user manual.
Step 3. Remove the gelato while it is still half frozen
This will ensure the consistency remains thick and not hollow. Your gelato should be light and creamy like ice cream.
Step 4. Place the half-frozen gelato in the freezer
Continue freezing the gelato until it solidifies.
Step 5. Melt a little gelato before enjoying it
Allowing it to melt a little will keep the gelato from being too cold on your tongue. That way you can enjoy the sharpness of the taste better.
