Nothing beats the sweet simplicity of homemade ice cream, especially when it’s infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries. As summer rolls around and fields burst with ripe red berries, it’s the perfect time to indulge in this classic frozen treat. Imagine scooping into a bowl of creamy, luscious strawberry ice cream, each spoonful bursting with the essence of sun-ripened strawberries. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to create this delightful dessert from scratch, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s embark on a journey to make the most irresistible homemade strawberry ice cream you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped strawberries until smooth.
- Make the Strawberry Puree:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberry puree and granulated sugar over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture begins to simmer and the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cooled strawberry mixture into the milk and cream mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling the mixture helps the flavors to meld together.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning the ice cream. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Smooth out the top and cover with a lid or plastic wrap directly touching the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until the ice cream is firm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop the strawberry ice cream into bowls or cones.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a mint leaf if desired.
Tips:
- You can replace some heavy cream with extra whole milk for a creamier texture.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the strawberry puree to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Suppose you don’t have an ice cream maker. In that case, you can still make this recipe by pouring the chilled mixture into a shallow dish, placing it in the freezer, and stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
This homemade strawberry ice cream is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. It’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day and makes a delightful dessert for any occasion!
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