Homemade Vanilla Gelato

Ingredients

• 4 large egg yolks 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 23g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, vanilla bean, and salt. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
3. 3.
   Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. 4.
   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and the vanilla bean.
6. 6.
   Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. 7.
   Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. 8.
   Transfer the churned gelato to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Vanilla bean — To extract the maximum flavor from the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds out and add them to the custard mixture. You can also save the scraped vanilla bean pod and place it in a jar of sugar to infuse it with a lovely vanilla aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract along with the vanilla bean.
• To prevent ice crystals from forming, make sure the custard is completely chilled before churning.
• For a more intense vanilla flavor, allow the custard to steep with the vanilla bean for a few hours before straining.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade Vanilla Gelato in chilled bowls or cones for a delightful summer treat. Garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, scoop the gelato into elegant glass bowls or martini glasses. Top with a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate or a sprig of fresh mint for a visually appealing dessert.