Strawberry Basil Balsamic Ice Cream with Honeyed Pistachios and Balsamic Reduction

Prep Time: Estimated 15 minutes
Cook Time: Estimated 20 minutes
Chill Time: Estimated 4 hours
Total Time: Estimated 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cuisine: Dessert
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup honeyed pistachios, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh strawberries and chopped basil. Blend until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer. Remove from heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard any solids.
6. Stir in the strawberry and basil puree and the vanilla extract into the custard mixture. Mix well.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely cold.
8. Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
9. Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 2 hours, or until firm.
10. Serve the Strawberry Basil Balsamic Ice Cream in bowls or cones, topped with chopped honeyed pistachios and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Note: For a stronger basil flavor, you can steep the basil leaves in the milk and cream mixture before adding the egg yolks.

Enjoy this delightful and refreshing Strawberry Basil Balsamic Ice Cream!

This recipe is an easy dessert recipe that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the aromatic basil and tangy balsamic reduction. The addition of honeyed pistachios adds a delightful crunch to this creamy and flavorful ice cream.