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How to Make Authentic Italian Gelato Recipe at Home
Authentic Italian Gelato is a creamy frozen dessert made with milk, heavy cream, and sugar. You can make rich, velvety gelato at home by following a slow churning process, typically using an ice cream maker.In Italy, gelato is more than just a dessert; it’s a beloved tradition. You’ll find gelaterie (gelato shops) in every city, from bustling urban centers to the smallest villages. Gelato is typically served in small cups or crisp waffle cones and enjoyed while strolling through town—a cherished Italian habit, especially on warm summer days.
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks - medium size
- 150 g granulated sugar - ¾ cup
- 350 ml milk - 1 ½ cup, fresh and whole
- 250 ml heavy cream - 1 cup, fresh
- lemon zest or vanilla extract optional
Instructions
The Basic Preparation
- Whip the egg yolks with the sugar at maximum speed for about 5 minutes, until you have a soft fluffy cream.
- Pour the milk in a saucepan and bring it almost to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes. If you have a kitchen thermometer you can check that the temperature remains at about 85°C (185 F).
- Transfer the egg and sugar fluffy cream to a saucepan. Pour the hot milk slowly. Keep mixing while you do it. If you want to flavor your gelato, this is the time to add either grated lemon zest or two drops of vanilla extract or vanilla bean. Now put it back on the heat and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add the cold heavy cream. Mix really well. Now you have a lukewarm mixture.
How to Make Gelato WITH Ice Cream Maker
- Pour the basic preparation into the ice cream maker and start it. It will take about 40 minutes, depending on the model. After the necessary time, your gelato is ready!
How to Make Gelato WITHOUT Ice Cream Maker
- Pour the mixture into a gelato container and place it in the freezer for about 5 hours. Every 30 minutes you have to break the frozen surface. So remove from the freezer and mix for about 30 seconds using a hand whisk or an electric whisk on low speed.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 108mgSugar: 22gVitamin A: 665IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 0.3mg
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