Carrot ice cream

Carrot ice cream

1 h
Enter a world where the simple carrot becomes the highlight of an extraordinary ice cream. Our carrot ice cream recipe blends the natural sweetness of carrots with the creamy texture of traditional ice cream for a delightful twist. With a zesty hint of fresh ginger and the sweet touch of acacia honey, this recipe is a celebration of taste and colour. So, get ready for a creamy snack experience that will enchant your senses with its bright orange charm.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/carrot-ice-cream/

Instructions

  • Bring water and carrots to the boil. Cover and cook over even heat (approx. 20 min). Drain the water and steam the carrots dry.
  • Put carrots, ginger, honey and sugar in a food processor and blend to a smooth puree (approx. 20 sec).
  • Put the puree in the fridge until it is completely cold (approx. ½ hour).
  • Beat egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Fold in the carrot puree.
  • Stir the skyr and milk together and fold it into the carrot mixture along with the lemon. Taste.
  • Pour the ice cream mixture into an ice cream machine and churn for approx. 40 min.
  • Divide the ice cream into ice cream moulds.
  • Put them in the freezer for at least 6 hours, inserting the popsicle sticks after approx. 1 hour.
  • Decorate the popsicles with melted dark chocolate and pistachio nuts: half dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with nuts or draw thin chocolate stripes on the ice creams.
Enjoy!

Questions about carrot ice cream

Discover the joy of making carrot ice cream, a unique snack that combines the fresh taste of carrots with the tangy smoothness of skyr. We've answered some common questions to guide you in creating this playful treat easily, covering everything from no-machine methods to tasty serving suggestions.

Can I make carrot ice cream without an ice cream machine?
Definitely! Choose the no-churn method, which involves simply pouring the ice cream mixture into the moulds or a loaf pan. For a smoother texture, make sure the mixture is spread evenly and cover the top with foil before putting it in the freezer. Stir the mixture now and then as it freezes to help it stay creamy. This method produces a texture that's very similar to that of churned ice cream.
What are some tasty ways to serve carrot ice cream?
Carrot ice cream shines when served simply, allowing its unique taste and bright colour to stand out. For added texture, our recipe decorates the popsicles with dark chocolate and chopped pistachios. Other crunchy toppings like granola, spelt cookie crumbs or crunchy gingerbread biscuits are also great additions to this recipe.
Why isn't my carrot ice cream as creamy as I expected?
This could be due to numerous factors. A common culprit is too much water in your carrot puree, leading to an icy – rather than creamy – texture. It's essential to thoroughly strain the carrots after cooking to remove excess moisture. Also make sure that all ingredients are cold before adding them to the mix. Chilling the skyr blend before combining it with the cold carrot puree helps prevent ice crystals and ensures an extra smooth texture. Finally, the freezing process itself plays a crucial role. If you’re using an ice cream maker, make sure your mixture is churned properly before transferring it to the moulds. If you’re freezing manually, stir the ice cream regularly to constantly break up any ice crystals.

Ingredients

Arla® Skyr natural
300 ml
Arla Cravendale Semi-skimmed milk
100 ml
Water
300 ml
Carrots, cut into small pieces
4
Fresh ginger, peeled and cut in small pieces
25 g
Acacia honey
4 tbsp
Sugar
2 tbsp
Egg yolks
4
Sugar
75 g
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 tsp
To garnish
Melted dark chocolate
Pistachios, chopped and unsalted

Ice cream churning tips

Achieving the perfect texture relies on effective ice cream churning techniques. To ensure a smooth and creamy consistency, it's essential to chill the mixture thoroughly before churning, allowing it to firm up and incorporate air evenly. Monitor the mixture closely and stop churning as soon as it reaches a thick, velvety consistency. Be especially careful of over-churning as it can result in a grainy or icy texture. Once churned, quickly transfer the mixture to moulds and freeze until solid. These simple yet crucial steps will help you achieve perfectly creamy and delicious carrot ice cream that is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Get the carrot puree just right

Attention to the puree quality sets the stage for visually stunning and tasty carrot ice cream. Boil the carrots until soft, then steam them to remove extra moisture. As mentioned above, this step is key to avoiding ice crystals and achieving a smooth texture. Blend the warm carrots to create a fine puree, as the heat makes it easier to break down the fibres. For an even smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any bits. Chill the puree in the fridge to let the flavours blend well before you mix it with the other ingredients.

Explore honey varieties and sweet alternatives

If you can't find acacia honey, other mild-flavoured honeys are excellent substitutes that blend well with the natural sweetness of carrots. If you prefer less sweetness or want to try something different, consider using glucose syrup. Just half a tablespoon will enhance the ice cream’s texture, making it smoother and preventing ice crystals from forming. Feel free to adjust the honey and sugar amounts until you have found your perfect balance.

Transform your carrot ice cream with these flavours

Reinvent this recipe into an even more tantalising treat by experimenting with a variety of intriguing flavour combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Coconut: add shredded coconut or a replace some of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical flair and creamy richness.
  • Almond or peanut butter: swirl a spoonful of almond or peanut butter into the skyr mixture for a nutty flavour and creamy texture.
  • Lavender: infuse a small amount of dried culinary lavender into the carrot puree for a delicate floral note.
  • Herbs: incorporate herbs like mint, basil or thyme for an unexpected and refreshing twist.

Do I have to cool the carrot puree?

Yes, it’s an essential step to prevent unwanted heat from affecting the texture and consistency of your carrot ice cream. Cooling the puree also allows the flavours to blend more effectively, resulting in a more balanced and flavourful ice cream. So, while it may require a bit of patience, cooling the carrot puree is definitely worth it to achieve the best possible results.

Add citrus to balance sweetness

A simple squeeze of citrus – our recipe uses lemon juice – adds a zesty note that cuts through and complements the natural sweetness of the carrots and honey. Feel free to experiment with different options, anything from lime and orange to grapefruit and pineapple juice can work as substitutes. Add a little bit a time, tasting and adjusting to suit your preference. Citrus also helps to keep the carrot puree's bright orange colour appealing. Freshness is crucial, so whichever citrus you choose, squeeze your own juice from real fruits for the best flavour.

Try these spices for a deeper flavour

Incorporating the right spices into the carrot puree can elevate your ice cream from a simple delight to a layered, extraordinary snack. A touch of ground cardamom or cinnamon pairs well with the sweetness of carrots, giving the ice cream a comforting, aromatic quality. Cardamom adds a floral note that balances the zest of ginger, while cinnamon brings warmth that enhances the carrot's earthy taste. You can also try other spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to make the carrot ice cream your own. Always start with a small pinch and adjust to taste.

Snacks that go well with carrot ice cream

Serving your ice cream alongside warm carrot cake muffins or gingerbread can create a harmonious duo. For a fresh and vibrant presentation, consider topping the ice cream with a medley of fresh berries or a spoonful of fruit compote. A fresh berry salad can add a burst of sweetness and juiciness that contrasts beautifully with the earthy flavour of the carrot and the tanginess of the skyr. If you prefer a savoury note, serve it alongside a cheese board with strong cheeses like aged gouda or blue cheese. For an impressive presentation, use different shapes for the ice cream moulds or add a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the full range of flavours.