How to Make Gelato at Home

Why Choose Gelato?

Gelato is a popular Italian dessert that is often compared to ice cream, but it has some key differences. Gelato typically contains less fat than ice cream because it uses more milk and less cream. Additionally, it is churned at a slower speed, which incorporates less air and results in a denser, more flavorful product.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make gelato, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup of nonfat powdered milk
• 8 egg yolks
• 1 cup of half and half
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract
• 3 cups of your favorite fruit

Equipment

You'll also need:

• An ice cream maker (a basic model with a freezer bowl will suffice)
• A large pot
• A plastic spatula
• A blender

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Freezer Bowl

Place the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer the night before you plan to make your gelato. This ensures it will be cold enough to properly churn the mixture.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients

Combine the milk, nonfat powdered milk, and sugar in a large pot. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, reduce the heat to low and stir occasionally.

3. Whip the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whip the egg yolks for about two minutes until they thicken. Gradually whisk in one cup of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs. Then, pour the egg and milk mixture back into the pot with the remaining milk mixture.

4. Thicken the Mixture

Increase the heat to medium and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches 170°F (77°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

5. Add Half and Half and Vanilla

Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, stir in the half and half and vanilla extract. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight.

6. Prepare the Fruit Puree

Before taking the mixture out of the refrigerator, wash and blend your chosen fruit until it becomes a smooth puree. Combine the fruit puree with the chilled milk mixture, stirring until well blended.

7. Churn the Gelato

Pour the mixture into the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker. Turn on the machine and let it churn for about 30 minutes, or until the gelato reaches your desired consistency.

8. Enjoy Your Gelato

Once the gelato is ready, serve it immediately or store it in the freezer for later enjoyment.

Interesting Facts About Gelato

• Lower Fat Content: Gelato typically contains 4-8% fat, compared to 14-25% in traditional ice cream (source).
• Less Air: Gelato has about 25-30% air, while ice cream can have up to 50% air, making gelato denser and more flavorful (source).
• Serving Temperature: Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, which enhances its creamy texture and flavor (source).

Conclusion

Making gelato at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a healthier, flavorful dessert. With a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker, you can create a treat that rivals any store-bought version. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

Feel free to explore more about the differences between gelato and ice cream from reputable sources like Bon Appétit and Serious Eats.