Vanilla Lemongrass Coconut Ice Cream
The first time I was introduced to lemongrass in a dessert, was during a trip to Glasgow, Scotland last (last) October. It doesn’t seem like the most obvious place to have first tried this, but it definitely left an impression on me.
I was there visiting my parents, while they were living abroad, and we went out for a delicious dinner at the nearby Hotel Du Vin, located a few blocks from their apartment. Aside from having one of the best soups I’ve ever had in my entire life, the accompanying dessert, a lemongrass crème brulee, was also one for the books.
Since that trip, I’ve been meaning to do my own experimentation with this unique ingredient, generally reserved for savory, Asian inspired dishes. Fast forward more than a year later…
This vanilla lemongrass coconut ice-cream is an incredibly simple, yet versatile recipe. It’s hard to believe, but a simple combination of full fat coconut milk and granulated sugar is enough to produce rich, super marshmallow-y ice cream. I originally learned this trick while working the pastry station during my culinary school externship at the restaurant.
If you don’t want to or simply can’t find lemongrass, feel free to make this ice cream recipe without it. You can even leave out the vanilla bean, if you feel so inclined. It still tastes great.
Or feel free to experiment with your own flavors and infusions. I already have a few variations in mind, including cinnamon, banana, cardamom, chocolate, and various citrus fruits. Though not all at the same time! That might be a bit weird.
(Word to the wise? Do not buy a whole coconut for photography purposes. That was technically Connor’s brilliant idea. Turns out, they are near-impossible to open and will most likely leave a mess all over your kitchen floor.)
The essential parts of this recipe are the coconut milk and the sugar. Feel free to play around and add any other flavors you might like!
Vanilla Lemongrass Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.66 fluid ounces each) full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 ounce lemongrass stalks
- 1 whole vanilla bean
Instructions
- Before opening the cans of coconut, shake gently (this will make them easier to pour out—as the fat and water tends to separate).
- Combine coconut milk and sugar in medium sized saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and using spatula, stir continuously, until sugar has dissolved completely.
- Using knife, cut vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the beans—add the beans and empty vanilla bean to the saucepan.
- Slice the lemongrass stalks lengthwise, crush with the side of your knife, and chop roughly. Add to saucepan. Allow mixture to infuse over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, place in heatproof bowl (preferably a shallow, rather than deep bowl—more surface area will allow the mixture to cool down faster), cover with plastic wrap, and allow to sit overnight—this will allow the flavors to develop and strengthen.
- Remove ice cream mixture from the fridge and strain through a fine-mesh strainer into an easily pourable container.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve immediately (if you prefer a soft-serve type consistency), or freeze for an additional hour or so, until more firm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 231 Total Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 9mg Carbohydrates: 52g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 50g Protein: 0g
Wow this looks absolutely delicious!!
Thanks for visiting!
Well… I bought it without her knowing. I then spent half an hour trying to pry it open it various ways which just ended with me hitting it with a hammer till it split in half 🙂
I'm very curious to try this!! No cream or milk or eggs at all? Is it kind of like coconut sorbet? That's very funny that Connor told you to buy the whole coconut….you must have had to use a very large knife to crack it open. I almost injured myself cracking open a very large lobster that had a super tough shell last night.
Well… I bought it without her knowing. I then spent half an hour trying to pry it open it various ways which just ended with me hitting it with a hammer till it split in half 🙂
Nope, no dairy or cream. It’s technically vegan! I think all the fat in coconut milk helps stabilize it. Yeah, won’t ever be buying a whole coconut again…
Beautiful photos!! That coconut is just stunning 🙂
Thanks so much! You always leave the nicest comments 🙂 I was a bit frustrated during this photo shoot, because the light wasn’t that great, but I think they ended up OK.
Great flavour combo, wow! I bet this tastes delicious.
Pippa — Nope, no dairy or cream. It's technically vegan! I think all the fat in coconut milk helps stabilize it. Yeah, won't ever be buying a whole coconut again…
Sues — Thanks so much! You always leave the nicest comments 🙂 I was a bit frustrated during this photo shoot, because the light wasn't that great, but I think they ended up OK.
Kristi –Thanks for visiting!
I have been reading vegan recipes online for years and I haven't seen anything like this yet! Looks sinful and delicious and I can't believe it's vegan! Can't wait to try!
Coconuts are really easy to open if you know how.
First get a cork screw – at the top of the coconut are three eyes – 2 solid, 1 soft, screw the cork screw in to the soft one and pull it our. Hold the coconut upside down over a jug and shake the water out of it. You can just sit it on the jug and it will eventually drain. Pass through a fine sieve and drink – refreshing coconut water.
To open the coconut, go outside, hold it about 4 feet above the side walk with the pointy ends left & right. Then drop it so that it lands on it’s side. You may need to do this 2 or 3 times, but the shell will crack – usually in half and also loosen the nut inside. You can then easily get at the flesh.
BTW if you drop it on the top or bottom, it will just bounce !!
Hello,
Would DRIED lemongrass work also? Thank you, this looks delicious.
Hi Candy,
Dried lemongrass could work as well–I haven’t tried it with it, but I don’t see why not. Just remember to strain the mixture once it has been infusing. Hope this helps!
ty Laura can’t wait to try this 🙂
Can I let it sit for 6 hours instead of overnight?
Yes! That should definitely work. Longer will impart more flavor, but six hours is still enough time. Let me know how it turns out!! 🙂
Made this over the weekend and it was ABSOLUTELY delicious. Froze up beautifully, and people couldn’t believe it was vegan. Topped it with a little pineapple/basil/lime chunky fruit sauce. Perfect. Thank you so much for the recipe.