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sweet basil ice cream in bowl with basil leaves
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Homemade Sweet Basil Ice Cream (Healthy Recipe)

This healthy homemade Sweet Basil Ice Cream recipe blends the delicate flavor of fresh basil with cool, creamy ice cream - creating a perfect dessert for summer! Sweetened with pure maple syrup and made with all natural ingredients, it’s a healthy way to enjoy a beautiful and tasty treat!
Course Dessert
Keyword basil, ice cream

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 2 medium mixing bowls (heat proof)
  • 1 high speed blender
  • 1 ice cream machine
  • 1 fine mesh sieve
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 rubber spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (separated)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 ounces fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cups water with 1 teaspoon of salt mixed in (for blanching basil)

Instructions

  • Whisk egg yolks in a medium sized heat proof bowl.
  • Heat 3/4 cup of the milk and the maple syrup in a medium saucepan set to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam.
  • Once the milk mixture just begins to steam, slowly pour it into the whisked egg yolks, 1/4 cup at a time, while whisking constantly.
  • Add the egg yolk mixture bag to the pot and continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
  • Once the custard has thickened, transfer to the refrigerator to cool.
  • In a large pot, add water and salt and bring to a boil.
  • Add fresh basil leaves and boil for 1 minute, then strain out the water.
  • Add the rest of the milk, the heavy cream, blanched basil leaves, vanilla extract, and salt to a high speed blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour the blended mixture of milk, basil and cream through a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl to remove the fibrous plant material. Use the back of a wooden spoon to or rubber spatula to help move the ice cream base through the sieve.
  • Pour mixture of cooled custard into the bowl with rest of the ingredients and combine well with a whisk.
  • Transfer ice cream base to the bowl of the ice cream maker.
  • Allow ice cream maker to complete the churning process until a thick, creamy ice cream is formed.
  • ​Enjoy!