Sweet Corn Ice Cream
SEASON: Summer
VEGETARIAN
The summer I first tried sweet corn ice cream at a local farm stand, my world was changed. If you have an ice cream maker hidden away in a cabinet somewhere, it’s time to bust it out and get the freezer bowl ready for some veggie ice cream. For the record, this recipe is less about finding a way to sneak vegetables into your dessert and more about celebrating the delicious flavors that sweet corn brings to us each summer—in a creamy, frozen treat. Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem. See the tip.
Serves: 8 to 10 | Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes, plus 40 minutes to freeze
3 cups sweet corn, approximately 2 (15-ounce) cans or 3 or 4 ears fresh corn
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1.
Turn the oven to broil. If taking the kernels off the cob, lay flat and slice one side completely off to create a stable base to remove the rest. Spread the corn kernels evenly on a sheet pan and place under the broiler until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
2.
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, corn, and vanilla extract on medium heat. Bring to a simmer, but do not boil, about 5 minutes. If a smoother consistency is desired, use an immersion blender to puree some of the corn kernels.
3.
While heating the cream mixture, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks.
4.
Slowly add the hot cream mixture to the bowl with the eggs and sugar, stirring constantly.
5.
Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
6.
Pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker, turn on, and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, approximately 25 minutes.
7.
Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and keep in the freezer.
Beyond the basics: Make this ice cream even if you don’t have an ice cream maker. Simply transfer the cooled ice cream base to a stainless steel dish or bowl, then move it to the freezer for 45 minutes. Check the ice cream and stir vigorously every 45 minutes for 6 hours, or until the ice cream is evenly frozen.
VARIATIONS:
Cucumber Ice Cream: Instead of roasted corn, de-seed and shred 2 cucumbers to add to the cream mixture. Transfer the ice cream base to a blender to puree before pouring it into the ice cream maker.
Sweet Potato Ice Cream: Replace the corn with 1½ cups mashed sweet potato and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
PER SERVING: Calories: 358; Total fat: 23g; Carbohydrates: 35g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 5g; Calcium: 76mg; Vitamin D: 31mcg; Vitamin B12 : 0mcg; Iron: 1mg; Zinc: 1mg