Let’s be clear about one thing before we go any further; there’s no cheese in this recipe. And at the same time, there’s probably no way to make ice cream and cheese taste good. I’m sure someone has tried but we don’t know about it. Even so, the name of this delicious Peruvian dessert, queso helado, directly translates to frozen cheese. Some people refer to it as cheese ice cream. But don’t let that put you off. On the other hand, if you came here looking for a sweet but pungent and stinky savory sort of dessert, sorry to disappoint. But stay with us. If you love sweet things, this recipe will hit the sweet spot ten times out of ten. Who doesn’t love ice cream, after all?
This street food favorite is, according to Wikipedia, originally from Arequipa in Southwest Peru. Arequipa is a foodie hub in Peru, a country widely regarded as one of the world’s best food destinations, and one of the best places to try some of Peru’s best dishes, including rocotto relleno and chupe de camarones.
But back to the ice cream – queso helado is easy to make and a perfect way to end any meal. Imagine the taste of milk, coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla in a sugary, ice-cold slice, slowly melting under a sprinkling of syrup or fruit (or nothing at all)
Remember that the food you serve to friends and family is often rated on the last course. Make your dessert extra special with this traditional Peruvian ice cream.
Ingredients
Queso Helado – Peruvian Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp corn-starch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cup full-fat milk 500 ml
- 6 tbsp coconut grated
- 1 can condensed milk 300 g.
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 sweet cloves
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and the vanilla extract. Set aside
- In another small mixing bowl, place the water, preferably warm. You can heat it for about 5 seconds in the microwave, then dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Make sure you mix it well and that it is lump-free. Set aside.
- Turn on the stove, over medium-low heat. Place the milk in a medium-sized heavy saucepan, along with the cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated coconut. Bring it to the flame, stirring gently with a spoon, until steam begins to come out of the surface.
- Pour the cornstarch water into the pot.
- Add the cream, the condensed milk, and the egg yolk mixture into the pot. Continue cooking for about five more minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Strain the mixture, to separate the cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated coconut.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature in a bowl.
- When the mixture is room temperature. Place the mixture in a (preferably) plastic container, and put it in the freezer for at least four hours until it is firm. This dessert is served like ice cream.
- Serve like a scoop of ice cream’s into glasses, sprinkle cinnamon sugar. You can add the topping of your choice, syrup, or fruits.
Nutrition
Peruvian foodie. I’ve been writing about the food of Peru for over 10 years. Read more about the Eat Peru team here
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