Saffron Cardamom Ice Cream is a luxurious twist on the classic dessert, blending the rich, floral notes of saffron with the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom. This recipe draws inspiration from the ancient spice routes, combining ingredients that have been treasured for centuries in various cuisines for their distinctive tastes and health benefits. The result is a visually stunning, aromatic, and deeply flavored ice cream that promises a journey of taste with every spoonful. Its golden color, thanks to the saffron, paired with the specks of cardamom, offers not just an indulgent treat but a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• Serves 6

Grocery Items Needed

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 6 large egg yolks

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, half of the sugar (3/8 cup), salt, ground cardamom, and saffron threads. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture turns pale and thick.
3. Gradually temper the egg yolk mixture by adding the hot milk mixture in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly.
4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon.
5. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing on the solids. Discard the solids.
6. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
7. Churn the chilled custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, about 2-3 hours, before serving.

Expert Tips

• For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the cardamom pods in a dry pan before grinding them.
• Ensure the custard mixture does not boil while cooking to prevent curdling.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture and whisk every hour until frozen to ensure a smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this exotic Saffron Cardamom Ice Cream as a sophisticated dessert after a meal that features bold flavors, such as Indian or Middle Eastern cuisine. It pairs beautifully with warm, spiced desserts like apple pie or a simple slice of pound cake. For an elegant presentation, garnish it with a few strands of saffron and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 390
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 245mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 5g

We encourage you to share this Saffron Cardamom Ice Cream recipe with friends and family. Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adjusting the levels of saffron and cardamom to suit your taste or adding a new twist with other spices. Cooking is a journey, and every dish offers an opportunity to explore new flavors and techniques. Enjoy the process and make it uniquely yours!