In the culinary world, lemon verbena is known for its bright citrus flavor and refreshing aroma, making it a versatile ingredient often used in desserts. One delightful way to savor the essence of lemon verbena is through a luscious homemade ice cream. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can craft a vibrant lemon verbena ice cream that will transport your taste buds to a refreshing summer oasis. Whether you prefer a classic churned ice cream or a quick no-churn method, this article will guide you through the process of creating a delightful lemon verbena ice cream that will leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
LEMON VERBENA ICE CREAM
Heady lemon verbena lends an herbal, floral note to our summer pudding. Be sure to save this recipe for when you've found fresh verbena - dried just won't be the same.
Categories Milk/Cream Ice Cream Machine Egg Dessert Freeze/Chill Kid-Friendly Frozen Dessert Lemon Summer Gourmet Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher Small Plates
Yield Makes about 1 1/2 quarts
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring verbena, milk, cream, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, then remove from heat and let steep, covered, 30 minutes.
- Whisk together eggs and sugar until combined, then whisk in verbena mixture. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard thickens slightly and registers 175°F on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil).
- Immediately strain thourough a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on and then discarding solids. Cool custard, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes, then chill, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.
- Freeze custard in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, about 1 hour.
LEMON VERBENA ICE CREAM
Lemon verbena's seductive floral-citrus scent and taste lend energy and grace to ice cream. In this recipe, you'll boil and steep fresh verbena leaves in half-and-half and sugar and, with seven egg yolks and heavy cream, turn the mixture into a custard over heat. Then freeze it in your ice cream maker. The best source for the leaves may be a plant of your own, or try your local farmers' market or nursery.
Provided by Suzanne Hamlin
Categories ice creams and sorbets, project, dessert
Time 45m
Yield 8 servings, 1/2 cup each
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In heavy stainless-steel pot, combine lemon verbena leaves, half-and-half and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring, and remove immediately from heat. Cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
- In stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining sugar. While continuously whisking, strain the half-and-half mixture through a fine-meshed sieve into the egg yolks.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Over medium-low heat, stir continuously with wooden spoon until custard thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Strain custard into a bowl that is sitting in a larger bowl filled with ice cubes and water. Add heavy cream. Cool and chill. Freeze in an ice-cream maker.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 297, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 35 milligrams, Sugar 15 grams
LEMON VERBENA ICE CREAM FROM A FRENCH COUNTRY HERB GARDEN
I grow many old fashioned and unusual herbs in my garden in France, and although many people know Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena is not so well known, which is such a shame! For me the flavour is MUCH more lemony and intense than Lemon Balm - think lemon sherbet, and you have a good idea of what to expect! The plant has graceful pointed leaves that are a gorgeous pale green in colour. Just scrunching a leaf in your hand to release the aromas can help fatigue or a headache. This is an ice cream I came up with to refresh and revive even the most jaded of palates - refreshing and with an amazing lemony zing! You should be able to source Lemon Verbena at any good Farmer's Markets - alternatively, make friends with someone who grows it! (Prep time includes the time to infuse the leaves to extract the flavour.)
Provided by French Tart
Categories Frozen Desserts
Time 2h30m
Yield 1 Litre, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, warm the lemon verbena leaves with all of the milk, 100ml of the cream and the sugar Press the leaves with the back of a wooden spoon to help the flavours release. Once warm, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for one to two hours.
- To make the ice cream custard, pour the remaining cream into a large bowl set in a larger bowl of ice water, and put a sieve on top.
- Use a strainer or slotted spoon to skim the lemon verbena from the milk and squeeze the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible back into the saucepan, then discard them. Reheat the lemon verbena infusion then whisk the eggs together and slowing pour in the warm infusion, whisking constantly.
- Scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan and cook, stirring continuously with a heatproof spatula, until the custard leaves a clear path on the spatula when you drag your finger across it.
- Immediately strain the custard into the bowl of cool cream and stir well until cool.
- Chill thoroughly, then freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serve with fresh leaves for garnish and a little lemon syrup drizzled over for a flavour explosion!
Tips:
- Choose ripe and juicy lemons for a bolder flavor.
- Use fresh lemon verbena leaves for the best flavor and aroma. If you can't find fresh leaves, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried lemon verbena.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream by pouring the custard into a freezer-safe container and freezing it for at least 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add some lemon zest to the custard for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve the ice cream with fresh lemon verbena leaves or a drizzle of lemon juice.
Conclusion:
Lemon verbena ice cream is a refreshing and flavorful dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic lemon flavor or something a little more unique, this ice cream is sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a delicious and refreshing treat, give lemon verbena ice cream a try.
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