Toasted Black Sesame Ice Cream (Printable version)
Rich and creamy frozen dessert infused with toasted black sesame seeds and vanilla.
# Ingredient list:
→ Black Sesame Paste
01 - 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
02 - 2 tbsp honey
03 - 1 tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed or sunflower)
→ Ice Cream Base
04 - 1 2/3 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 4 large egg yolks
08 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
09 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Toast black sesame seeds in dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool completely.
02 - Grind cooled seeds in food processor or spice grinder until fine powder forms. Add honey and oil, blending until smooth paste develops. Set aside.
03 - Combine milk, cream, and half the sugar in medium saucepan. Heat over medium until just steaming, do not boil.
04 - Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt in separate bowl until pale and thick. Gradually pour hot milk mixture into yolks, whisking constantly.
05 - Return mixture to saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring with wooden spoon until slightly thickened and coats back of spoon (about 175°F).
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in black sesame paste and vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth.
07 - Strain custard through fine sieve into clean bowl. Cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours until very cold.
08 - Churn chilled mixture in ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions.
09 - Transfer to freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze at least 2 hours until firm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The toasted sesame flavor is unlike anything else in your ice cream rotation, almost sophisticated but still completely comforting
- People will stare at the color before taking a bite, then immediately ask for seconds
02 -
- The custard base must be completely cold before churning, otherwise the ice cream will never set up properly and youll end up with sweetened milk soup
- Black sesame paste thickens in the freezer more than traditional ice cream, so let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes before scooping
03 -
- If your black sesame paste feels too thick to incorporate smoothly, warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds before adding to the custard
- Save a tablespoon of whole toasted sesame seeds to sprinkle over the top for texture contrast