| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 634 | 44g | 25g | 54g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 46g | 1g | 9g | 0.12g |
Among the multitude of dishes to come from my kitchen ever since my Southern upbringing, my most unpredictable and exciting venture must indeed be the Durian Ice Cream. This vegetable-based ice cream is a daring fusion of familiar, creamy sweetness and the bold, exotic flavor of the durian. It’s a combination that bridges my love for the traditional and my adventurous palate, reminiscent of daring waves caught while surfing or an unexpected plot twist in a film.
The Joy of Venturing Beyond the Familiar
When I first discovered durian, often referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ (source), it felt like the “Citizen Kane” of my kitchen repertoire—an exotic, intense experience that could either be a hit or a miss. The Durian Ice Cream reflects the bold spirit of surfing, an activity close to my heart. The waves can be tantalizing or intimidating, just like the durian’s daring aroma, but one thing’s clear: you’re in for a memorable ride).
I wanted to celebrate the durian’s rich, custardy texture and complex flavor profile, while still providing the comfort you expect from a good ol’ homemade ice cream—a creation in the vein of a Southern-style dessert.
Great Taste and Good Health Too
While the durian’s flavor is simultaneously celebrated and mocked, its health benefits are nothing short of amazing. Packed with dietary fiber, vitamin C, and rich in beneficial fats (source), this ‘king of fruits’ is a royal treat indeed — and these benefits all translate into this wonderful recipe of Durian Ice Cream.
Let’s not forget, the cream and milk base of this ice cream provides a good source of calcium and contributes to its silky mouthfeel. Eggs complete the nutrition profile, bringing a dose of high-quality protein and a luscious richness to the final product.
Pairing Ideas
This unconventional dessert pairs surprisingly well with a batch of my Southern-style buttermilk biscuits or even a helping of chicken and waffles. It brings an unexpected twist to the experience, and the creaminess of the ice cream complements the heartiness of the deep-fried chicken or the flakiness of homemade biscuits.
One might not think of Southern food and durian ice-cream as compatible, but as in surfing and movies, the beauty lies in the contrasts and the unexpected. Just like the perfect wave or a captivating plot, the Durian Ice Cream is a delightful surprise — a truly remarkable creation that leaves a lasting impression.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup ripe Durian pulp
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Method
Step One
First, take a large bowl and add 5 egg yolks and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar into it. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the mixture becomes thick and turns a pale yellow color. Set this mixture aside.
Step Two
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of durian pup, 1 1/2 cups of whole milk, and 2 1/4 cups of heavy cream. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously. Do not let it boil. Once it is hot, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step Three
Slowly pour the hot durian mixture into the egg yolk mixture, while continually whisking to incorporate the two mixtures smoothly together. This process is called tempering, which will heat the egg yolks slightly without scrambling them.
Step Four
Once the two mixtures are well combined, return the mixture to the saucepan, and place it back on the stove over low heat. Constantly stir the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Five
After the mixture has thickened, remove it from the stove and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix well to distribute the vanilla extract evenly throughout the mixture.
Step Six
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps of durian. Leave the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
Step Seven
Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely chilled. Then, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it for at least 4 hours to harden.
Step Eight
After the ice cream has hardened sufficiently, your homemade durian ice cream is ready to be served. Enjoy!
