Traditional Italian Gelato
This classic gelato recipe comes from an Italian family tradition, providing a creamy base you can customize with your favorite flavors.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Full Ingredient List
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- salt (optional)
Gelato Base
Tools and Equipment
- medium saucepan
- large bowl
- whisk
- wooden spoon
- sieve or fine strainer
- ice cream maker
- sealed container
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cups | milk | ||
| 1 cup | heavy cream | ||
| 4 | egg yolks | ||
| ½ cup | sugar | ||
| pinch | salt | optional |
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine milk and cream in a medium saucepan. Heat until foam appears around the edges, then remove from heat.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until frothy.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture. (Tips: Whisk constantly to avoid cooking the eggs.)
- Step 4: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it slightly thickens and coats the back of the spoon. (Tips: Remove from heat immediately if small lumps of egg appear.)
- Step 5: Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, cover, and chill for several hours or overnight. (Tips: This ensures a smooth gelato base.)
- Step 6: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Transfer to a sealed container and freeze until firm. (Tips: If gelato becomes too hard, let it soften in the refrigerator.)
Additional Information
Notes: Feel free to customize this gelato base by adding in flavors like vanilla, chocolate shavings, or fruit purees before freezing.