Teresa's Recipes
Authentic Italian Vanilla Gelato
Experience the taste of Italy with this creamy, lush, and rich Vanilla Gelato. This delightful dessert is the epitome of simplicity, yet it leaves a long-lasting impression on the palate. The intoxicating aroma of vanilla, combined with the smooth, luxurious texture from the cream and milk, creates a heavenly treat that is lighter than ice cream but equally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 6 Egg yolks
- 1, split lengthwise Vanilla bean
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Whole milk
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Sugar: 19g
Instructions
- Combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and the split vanilla bean in a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they turn a pale yellow color.
- While continuously whisking the egg yolks, slowly pour the hot milk mixture into them. This is to temper the yolks and prevent them from scrambling.
- Once fully combined, pour this mixture back into the saucepan and simmer over low heat. Stir it constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is your custard base.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a smooth texture. Discard the vanilla bean.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely cold.
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches the consistency of soft serve.
- Transfer the gelato to a lidded container and freeze it until firm, about 2 hours. For the best texture, serve the gelato within a few hours of churning.
Tips
- For an extra vanilla flavor, you can add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the custard along with the vanilla bean.
- Gelato is best consumed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.