This delicious vegetarian passion fruit gelato combines the tropical sweetness and tartness of passion fruit with a creamy base, making it a perfect treat for hot summer days. This recipe is simple to follow and does not require any eggs or dairy.
Ingredients
- Passion Fruit: 15-20 ripe passion fruits (or about 250 ml of passion fruit puree)
- Coconut Milk: 500 g (about 2 ⅕ cups) of full-fat coconut milk
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 320 g (about 1 ½ cups) of sweetened condensed coconut milk (or any dairy-free version)
- Granulated Sugar: 50 g (about ¼ cup), adjust to taste
- Lemon Juice: Juice from 1 lemon
- Optional Garnish: Reserved passion fruit seeds for texture and presentation
Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Ice cream maker (optional)
- Airtight container for freezing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Passion Fruit
- Extract the Pulp: Cut the passion fruits in half and scoop out the pulp and seeds into a bowl. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the pulp through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the juice from the seeds, reserving some seeds for garnish if desired.
Step 2: Make the Gelato Base
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and extracted passion fruit juice.
- Mix Well: Use an electric whisk to mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
- Refrigerate: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to cool completely. This helps achieve a creamy texture when churning.
Step 4: Churn the Gelato
- Using an Ice Cream Maker: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
- No Ice Cream Maker?: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to break up ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Final Freeze
- Transfer to Container: Once churned or stirred, transfer the gelato to an airtight container.
- Freeze Until Firm: Freeze for at least another 4 hours or until completely firm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve scoops of gelato in bowls or cones.
- Garnish with reserved passion fruit seeds for added texture.
- Drizzle with extra passion fruit coulis or syrup if desired.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover gelato in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
This vegetarian passion fruit gelato is not only easy to make but also delivers a refreshing burst of tropical flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful treat as a refreshing dessert that everyone will love!