Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs Ripe Peaches (about 4–5 medium): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a beautiful blush hue. Choose fragrant, slightly soft peaches for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed): Adds a touch of molasses depth to the peaches as they roast.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the peach flavor and prevents browning.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional): A hint of spice that complements the peaches beautifully.
- 15 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (good quality): The secret to the gelato’s incredible creaminess and subtle tang. Use full-fat for the best texture.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Lends richness and contributes to the smooth, luxurious mouthfeel of the gelato.
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Provides the primary sweetness for the gelato base. Adjust to your preference and the sweetness of your peaches.
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk: Helps to create the perfect gelato consistency, balancing the richness of the cream and ricotta.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the gelato.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the complexity of the flavors.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh Mint Sprigs, Toasted Almond Slivers, or a Drizzle of Honey: For that extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Instructions
- Roast the Peaches:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash, halve, and pit the peaches. You can leave the skin on for a more rustic texture and color, or peel them if preferred.
- Cut the peach halves into 1-inch chunks and place them in a baking dish.
- Add the brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon (if using) to the peaches. Toss gently to coat.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the peaches are tender, slightly caramelized, and the juices are bubbly. Stir halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let the peaches cool completely. Once cooled, you can roughly chop them further if you prefer smaller pieces in your gelato, or mash some of them to create a swirl. Reserve any syrupy juices.
- Prepare the Ricotta Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, heavy cream, granulated sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Using an immersion blender, or by transferring to a regular blender, blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring there are no grainy bits from the ricotta. You want a velvety texture.
- Taste the base and adjust sugar if necessary. Remember that freezing dulls sweetness, so it should taste slightly sweeter than you’d prefer for the final product.
- Chill the Base:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is vital for the texture of the gelato and helps it churn more efficiently. The colder the base, the creamier the gelato.
- Churn the Gelato:
- Once the base is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker.
- Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of churning, add about two-thirds of the cooled roasted peaches and their reserved juices to the ice cream maker. Let them incorporate evenly.
- Incorporate Remaining Peaches and Freeze:
- Transfer the churned gelato to a freezer-safe container (a loaf pan or an insulated ice cream tub works well).
- Gently fold in the remaining one-third of the roasted peaches, creating lovely swirls and pockets of fruit throughout the gelato. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface of the gelato, and then seal with a lid if your container has one.
- Freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop. For best texture, allow it to harden for at least 6 hours.
- Serve:
- When ready to serve, let the gelato sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
- Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh mint sprigs, toasted almond slivers, or an extra drizzle of honey, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 9g