Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms ordinary dessert into an extraordinary sensory experience! This Smoked Cardamom Ice Cream isn't just another frozen treat – it's a sophisticated symphony of smoky, sweet, and salty flavors that will transport your taste buds to a realm of pure gastronomic bliss. Imagine a creamy, luxurious dessert that combines the mysterious depth of smoked cardamom with a delicate crunch of toasted nuts, creating a dessert so remarkable, it'll become the talk of your next dinner party.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: dessert
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts for topping
Instructions
- Prepare your mise en place by gathering all ingredients and equipment, including an ice cream maker, large mixing bowl, whisk, and saucepan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium-low temperature, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar completely.
- Add smoked cardamom and salt to the cream mixture, whisking gently to distribute the spices evenly throughout the liquid.
- Heat the mixture until it reaches just below a simmer, ensuring sugar is fully dissolved and spices are infused. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cardamom to steep and intensify its smoky flavor.
- Stir in vanilla extract, ensuring it's thoroughly incorporated into the cream base.
- Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill completely and enhance flavor development.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- While churning, prepare the crushed nuts by toasting them lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, layering in some of the crushed nuts.
- Freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up the ice cream, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly. Garnish with remaining crushed nuts and a light sprinkle of sea salt.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality smoked cardamom for the most intense flavor profile. Freshly ground spices will provide a more robust taste.
- Patience is key when steeping the cardamom – allow sufficient time for the flavors to fully infuse into the cream mixture.
- Ensure your cream mixture is completely chilled before churning to achieve the smoothest possible texture.
- Toast the nuts just before adding them to the ice cream to maximize their nutty aroma and crunch.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use Maldon sea salt for the final garnish to add a delicate, flaky texture.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can use the no-churn method by whipping the cream and folding in the flavored base, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 55g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Cholesterol: 126mg
