Description
This vegan pistachio ice cream recipe offers a creamy, nutty, and refreshing frozen treat made with dairy-free milk, roasted pistachios, and a hint of vanilla. Utilizing oat milk and rolled oats to add creaminess and texture without any animal products, this dessert is perfect for those seeking a plant-based, gluten-free indulgence. The process involves simmering oats to soften, blending pistachios with milk for a smooth base, and churning in an ice cream maker to create a luscious, scoopable ice cream that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 3 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk such as oat or soy
- ¼ cup rolled oats (Certified gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 ½ cups roasted and unsalted pistachios
- ⅔ cup organic cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 ounce vodka, optional (helps to prevent ice crystallization)
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Cream Maker: If using an ice cream maker with a removable canister, freeze the canister at least one day in advance to ensure it is fully frozen before use. This preparation is essential for proper churning and texture.
- Simmer Oats: In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup rolled oats with 1 cup of the non-dairy milk and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the oats are soft. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl or spread it out on a plate to cool thoroughly.
- Blend Pistachio Mixture: Place the remaining 2 cups of non-dairy milk and 1 ½ cups roasted, unsalted pistachios into a blender. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute until completely smooth to create a creamy pistachio base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled oatmeal mixture, ⅔ cup organic cane sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1 ounce vodka (if using) to the blender. Blend again until the oats are fully broken down and the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the ice cream mixture for a minimum of 2 hours until it is thoroughly cold. To accelerate chilling, you may transfer the mixture to a container and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent freezing edges.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream at this stage will have a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze for Firmness: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover it, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours to achieve a firmer, scoopable texture suitable for serving.
- Serve: Before serving, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping and enhanced creaminess.
Notes
- Freezing the ice cream maker’s canister beforehand is crucial for achieving proper texture.
- Vodka is optional but helps reduce ice crystallization, resulting in a smoother ice cream.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Let the ice cream soften at room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
- This recipe is ideal for vegan and gluten-free diets.
- Oat milk and soy milk are recommended non-dairy milk options, but alternatives can be experimented with based on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American