Gelato Italiano, Italy’s exquisite take on ice cream, stands out for its smooth texture, rich flavors, and less air content compared to its American counterpart. Making authentic Italian gelato at home can be a delightful endeavor, allowing you to customize flavors while indulging in a creamy, dense treat. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started on your gelato-making journey, with room for creativity in choosing your preferred flavors.
Ingredients
Basic Gelato Base:
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 150g (3/4 cup) sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
Flavorings (Choose one):
- Vanilla: 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate: 100g (about 3.5 oz) dark chocolate (melted) and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Fruit: 200g (about 1 cup) pureed fresh fruit (strawberries, peaches, etc.), strained to remove seeds