Vegetarian Strawberry Ice Cream

Here’s a simple and delightful recipe for Vegetarian Strawberry Ice Cream that is creamy, fruity, and perfect for warm days. This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting honey with a plant-based sweetener.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (chilled)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (dairy or dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them, then cut them into halves or quarters. If using frozen strawberries, allow them to thaw slightly.
2. Blend the Mixture: In a blender, combine the strawberries, chilled coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, honey (or agave), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or agave.
4. Freeze the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
5. Serve: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.

Enjoy your homemade vegetarian strawberry ice cream! This treat is not only refreshing but also allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness of strawberries in every bite.

Here are answers to your questions regarding making vegetarian strawberry ice cream:

Best Non-Dairy Milk

For a creamy texture in your strawberry ice cream, full-fat coconut milk is highly recommended. It provides a rich and creamy base without overpowering the strawberry flavor. Other options include oat milk or almond milk, but they may not yield the same creaminess as coconut milk.

Using Honey Instead of Sugar

Yes, you can use honey instead of granulated sugar in your ice cream recipe. Honey will add sweetness and a slight floral note. If you want a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, which work well in maintaining the desired sweetness without using granulated sugar.

Making Ice Cream Creamier

To enhance the creaminess of your ice cream, consider these tips:

• Use coconut cream instead of just coconut milk; it has a higher fat content.
• Incorporate dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, which helps achieve a smooth texture and prevents iciness.
• Blend the mixture thoroughly to incorporate air, which can help create a lighter texture.
• Stir the ice cream every 20-30 minutes during the freezing process for the first few hours to break up ice crystals.

Best Way to Store Homemade Ice Cream

Store homemade ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. For best results, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This helps minimize air exposure and keeps it fresh for longer. It’s best consumed within 1-2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.

Adding Other Ingredients

You can definitely add other ingredients like cocoa powder or nuts to your strawberry ice cream! For cocoa powder, start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust according to taste. If adding nuts, such as chopped almonds or walnuts, mix them in after blending the base for added texture. Just ensure that any additions complement the strawberry flavor without overwhelming it.