| Prep: 20 mins | Freeze: 4 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 186 | 8g | 7g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 2g | 2g | 0.02g |
I have always been in awe of the miraculous bounty of nature and how it offers us an array of delightful fruits and vegetables. One such fruit is the honeydew melon – sweet, succulent, and highly beneficial to our health. This fondness for the fruit brings me to one of my most cherished recipes, the exquisite Honeydew Coconut Milk Ice Cream. The soothing pastel green image of this dessert (find it here) is akin to tropical summer packed into a bowl; isn’t it just enticing?
A Dance of Refreshing Flavors
The Honeydew Coconut Milk Ice Cream is, in essence, a dance of refreshing flavors. The honeydew melon, with its sweetness and juicy consistency, pairs perfectly with the richness of the full-fat coconut milk. This sweet harmony of flavors is then uplifted by a dash of fresh lime, bringing a tart undertone that perfectly balances the sweetness. Like the final brushstroke of a masterpiece, a hint of vanilla extract adds a luxurious touch to this summery delight. This ice cream is reminiscent of both a traditional Caribbean coconut ice cream and a French glace au melon, offering the best of both in one delicately balanced treat.
From French Éclairs to Melon Ice Cream
Having grown up in a household where Creole richness met French elegance in desserts, I have always had a penchant for combining distinctive flavors. The Honeydew Coconut Milk Ice Cream reminds me a touch of my delectable beignets and éclairs, retaining my dessert’s signature blend of bold and refined traits. Also, this recipe carries the whisper of my French ancestry, drawing upon the gallic love for the melon, and the native Louisiana’s fascination with local flavors.
Health Benefits and Pairings
Aside from being an irresistible sweet treat, this Honeydew Coconut Milk Ice Cream boasts many health benefits. Honeydew is loaded with Vitamin C and potassium, great for boosting your immunity and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels respectively. On the other hand, coconut milk, packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), can support weight loss and heart health. Serving the refreshing ice cream with a Grilled pound cake or a homemade fruit salsa, could not only enrich the taste but also balance the rich and sweet flavors with some tartness.
Each scoop of this Honeydew Coconut Milk Ice Cream is a celebration of summer, a symphony of flavors, and a delightful health-boosting treat. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, this delightful recipe can spark joy in your kitchen. It certainly does in mine!
What You’ll Need
- 1 large ripe honeydew melon
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Method
Step One
Start by cutting the honeydew melon into half. Scoop out all the seeds from each half. Then cut the melon into small chunks and set them aside for later use.
Step Two
Take your blender and add the prepared honeydew melon chunks into it. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, followed by honey and fresh lime juice. To add a hit of flavour, include the vanilla extract at this stage. Put on the lid of your blender and blend all the ingredients together until you get a smooth creamy mixture.
Step Three
After blending, transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Cover the bowl properly and place it in the refrigerator. Let the mixture cool and firm up for about 2-3 hours.
Step Four
Once the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Five
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Cover the container and place it back in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to harden for at least 2 hours or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step Six
Before serving, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Scoop out your Honeydew Coconut Milk Ice Cream and enjoy it chilled.
