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Masala chai ice cream Recipe

Masala chai ice cream Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

This Masala Chai Ice Cream recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional ice cream with the warm, aromatic spices of classic Indian chai. Infused with black tea, cardamom, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns, and fresh ginger, this homemade ice cream offers a unique and flavorful dessert experience that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Chai Spice Mix

  • 6 whole cardamom pods
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 3 whole star anise
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) fresh ginger root

Ice Cream Base

  • 1 cup (250 ml) full cream milk
  • 2 black tea tea bags
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) castor sugar
  • 2 cups (500 ml) thickened cream
  • 1 tablespoon mild flavoured honey, such as clover

Instructions

  1. Boil Water (Optional Double Boiler): If using a double boiler, bring water to a boil in the bottom part before starting the recipe. This helps gently cook the custard later without direct heat.
  2. Steep Tea: Heat the full cream milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat, add the black tea bags, and steep for 3.5 minutes. Remove the tea bags carefully to prevent over-extraction.
  3. Prepare Egg Yolks: Separate the egg yolks from the whites, reserving the whites for another use. Place the yolks in a bowl.
  4. Beat Yolks and Sugar: Add the castor sugar to the yolks and beat the mixture until it turns pale and creamy, indicating proper aeration.
  5. Temper Egg Yolks: Gradually add about one-third of the warm milk and tea mixture to the yolk mixture, stirring constantly to temper the yolks and prevent curdling. Repeat until all milk mixture is incorporated.
  6. Set Up Double Boiler (if using): Pour the combined milk, tea, sugar, and egg yolk mixture into the top of the double boiler. If not using a double boiler, place the pot on very low heat and watch closely to avoid scrambling eggs.
  7. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the thickened cream, prepared chai spice mix (cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and sliced fresh ginger), and honey. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  8. Cook Custard: Heat the mixture gently over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, leaving a clear line when you run your finger across it.
  9. Cool Custard: Remove the top of the double boiler and let the custard cool for a few minutes. Transfer it to a heatproof container and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours, preferably overnight, to develop flavors and fully set.
  10. Prepare Freezing Setup: Place the ice cream storage container in the freezer to chill. If using a self-churning ice cream machine, turn it on about ten minutes prior to churning.
  11. Strain and Churn: Strain the chilled custard mixture to remove spices and any lumps, then churn in the ice cream machine until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
  12. Freeze to Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to the pre-chilled container and freeze until firm, usually about 4-6 hours.
  13. Serve: Scoop the Masala Chai Ice Cream into bowls or cones. Optionally, drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness and enjoy the comforting spice flavors.

Notes

  • To prevent curdling during cooking, maintain low heat and stir constantly while thickening the custard.
  • Use full cream milk and thickened cream for a rich, creamy texture and authentic flavor.
  • Chilling the mixture overnight enhances the depth of chai spice flavors in the ice cream.
  • If you don’t have an ice cream machine, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until firm to prevent ice crystals.
  • Reserve egg whites for other recipes such as meringues or omelets to reduce waste.
  • This recipe is not gluten-free due to spices but is vegetarian and halal friendly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Masala chai ice cream, chai ice cream recipe, Indian spiced ice cream, homemade chai ice cream, spiced dessert, Indian fusion dessert

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/masala-chai-ice-cream-recipe/