To beat the summer heat, there can be nothing better than to indulge in a batch of homemade ice creams. Although ice cream is readily available in stores, making it at home from scratch helps you to have control over the ingredients you are using. Ice cream is a delicious treat that cools the body from within and makes summer an enjoyable season.
However, ice cream is often regarded as adding extra calories and fats to your body. If you’re on a weight loss journey, you are advised not to include ice cream in your diet. But does that mean that you’ll not have ice cream? Not at all! You can enjoy homemade ice cream made of healthy ingredients and turn it into a guilt-free pleasure. Here’s a list of several healthy ingredients that can make your homemade ice cream a healthy treat. Take a look:
- Greek Yoghurt
This is a healthy and nutritious alternative to heavy cream or milk used in homemade ice cream. Greek yoghurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavour to the ice cream. Besides it provides a dose of protein, calcium, and probiotics. You can choose plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt to keep added sugars to a minimum. You can also use flavoured varieties for a hint of sweetness.
- Coconut Milk
If you want a dairy-free option, opt for coconut milk that adds richness and a subtle flavour to your homemade ice cream. It is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a perfect nutritional choice. Choose full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture and feel free to customise your ice cream with shredded coconut or coconut flakes for added texture and flavour.
- Avocado
This is one of the nutritious additions to homemade ice cream. Owing to its creamy texture and milk flavour, avocado makes it an ideal substitute for traditional dairy products. Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monosaturated fats, vitamins, and fibre, offering a nutritious boost to the frozen treat. You can blend the ripe avocados with other ingredients like coconut milk or cocoa powder for a delicious creamy and nutrient-rich ice cream base.
- Bananas
The award for the most versatile fruit goes to none other than banana and all for the right reasons. If you’re incorporating it into ice cream, it will help to create a creamy and naturally sweet ice cream base. When frozen and blended, bananas develop a texture like the soft-serve ice cream, without the inclusion of added sugar or dairy. You can simply peel and freeze ripe bananas and blend them until smooth. Add flavourings such as vanilla extract. Cocoa powder, or peanut butter of your choice.
- Berries
A wide array of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries add different flavour and texture to the homemade ice cream. Besides, they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre. You can either puree fresh berries or add them frozen into your ice cream base which not only adds natural sweetness but vibrant colour and a refreshing fruity flavour. For added texture, you can add whole berries or fruit chunks to your ice cream mixture before freezing.
- Honey Or Maple Syrup
To add sweetness to your homemade ice cream, instead of adding sugar, you can add honey or maple syrup. Both options add natural sweetness and depth of flavour to your frozen treats. Moreover, they contain beneficial antioxidants and minerals, making them a healthier alternative.
- Nuts And Seeds
You can easily incorporate nuts and seeds into your homemade ice cream for added crunch and texture as well as a boost of nutrients. Include almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios as they are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. You can also incorporate chia seeds and hemp seeds that provide omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Add toasted nuts and seeds either on the ice cream base or just use them as a topping.