Vegetarian Recipe for Peach and Lavender Gelato

Here’s a delightful vegetarian recipe for Peach and Lavender Gelato that combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of ripe peaches. This gelato is perfect for a refreshing dessert on a warm day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• ¼ cup dried culinary lavender flowers
• 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance peach flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Lavender Infusion:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and dried lavender.
• Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble around the edges. Do not let it boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to steep for about 30 minutes to an hour to fully infuse the lavender flavor.

Strain the Mixture:

• After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lavender flowers. Discard the flowers.
• Chill the strained mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour until it is completely cold.

Prepare the Peaches:

• While the mixture is chilling, prepare your peaches. If using fresh peaches, peel and dice them into small pieces. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their flavor.

Churn the Gelato:

• Pour the chilled lavender-infused cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Gently fold in the diced peaches during the last few minutes of churning.

Freeze:

• Transfer the gelato to a freezer-safe container and smooth the top. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Serve:

• Scoop out your gelato and enjoy it on its own or topped with additional peach slices or a sprinkle of lavender for garnish.

Tips

• For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
• Ensure that your lavender is food-grade to avoid any harmful effects.
• This gelato can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

This Peach and Lavender Gelato is not only delicious but also a beautiful representation of summer flavors. Enjoy!

To make a vegan version of peach and lavender gelato, you can substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Here’s how:

Vegan Peach and Lavender Gelato Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 2 cups almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
• ½ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup for a different flavor)
• ¼ cup dried culinary lavender flowers
• 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Infuse the Milk:

• In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, and dried lavender.
• Heat gently until just below boiling, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes.

1. Strain:

• Strain the mixture to remove the lavender flowers and chill it in the refrigerator.

1. Prepare the Peaches:

• Toss diced peaches with lemon juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning.

1. Churn:

• Pour the chilled lavender-infused milk into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Add the diced peaches during the last few minutes of churning.

1. Freeze:

• Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.

Fruits That Pair Well with Lavender

Lavender complements various fruits in desserts. Some great pairings include:

• Peaches
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Lemons
• Nectarines
• Honeydew melon

Fresh vs. Dried Lavender

While you can use fresh lavender, it is more potent than dried lavender. If substituting, use about three times as much fresh lavender as dried to achieve a similar flavor profile. However, be cautious as fresh lavender can have a stronger and sometimes more bitter taste.

Grilling Peaches for Gelato

To grill peaches:

1. Cut peaches in half and remove the pit.
2. Brush lightly with olive oil or melted coconut oil.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Place peaches cut-side down on the grill for about 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear and they soften slightly.
5. Remove from heat, let cool, then chop for your gelato.

Storing Homemade Gelato

Homemade gelato can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. For best texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping, as homemade gelato can become quite hard when frozen.