Green tea ice cream, known as “matcha ice cream” in Japan, is a delightful and refreshing dessert that blends the earthy flavors of matcha with the creamy texture of classic ice cream. The unique taste of matcha, which has a slightly sweet and slightly bitter profile, pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream, creating a balanced and indulgent treat. This ice cream is perfect for green tea lovers or anyone looking to try something exotic and sophisticated. Whether served on its own or paired with other desserts, green tea ice cream adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the matcha: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with a few tablespoons of hot water (not boiling) to create a smooth paste. This helps the matcha dissolve evenly in the ice cream base.
- Heat the cream and milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Whisk the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Gradually add more of the cream mixture, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook the custard: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Do not let it boil.
- Add the matcha: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the matcha paste and vanilla extract, ensuring it’s well combined.
- Chill the mixture: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, then transfer it to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Churn the ice cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze the ice cream: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop and enjoy the green tea ice cream on its own or with your favorite toppings!
