Let me start by saying this is simply one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes I have ever made, period.
No ice cream maker, no long wait, easy prep. All you need is some mascarpone or creme fraiche, some sugar, strawberries and a food processor!
I ran across a version of this recipe last year in a book called “How To Pick a Peach” by Russ Parsons. If you want to know everything about fruit, where it comes from, how to store it, recipe ideas, look no further than Mr. Parson’s book. It is one of my favorites and it just came out on paperback so take a look.
The version included in the book was for peach gelato which I made last year and was blown away. I then made it again for some friends at a dinner party and everyone was impressed.
Last week, I made it with strawberries and again it was perfect. It literally took me 5 minutes to chop the berries and put them in the freezer to cool down. After they were frozen, 2 hours, it took me another 5 minutes to make the gelato. It took me longer to clean the food processor than it did to make this scrumptious dessert.
Oh, one other exciting piece of news before I turn you on to this awesome recipe. I just received, from Amazon, my brand new Weber smoker. We have a wedding catering on Saturday and I will prepping, grilling and hauling stuff most of the day, but I should have it together on Sunday and will test fire it. Stay tuned for that.
Strawberry Gelato (serves 4)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup sugar, or more to taste
- 1 cup mascarpone or creme fraiche
Remove the stems from the strawberries. Cut lengthwise in half and then cut each half again. You are going to freeze them so the smaller they are, the faster they will freeze and the better the texture your finished product will have.
Arrange the strawberry pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and slide into the freezer for 2 hours, until frozen solid.
Put the frozen strawberry pieces into a food processor, add the sugar and pulse briefly. Add the mascarpone or creme fraiche and pulse until the mixture is smooth as silk.
Divide between 4 bowls and serve immediately. You can also transfer the gelato into another container and freeze. Once the gelato is frozen solid, you can put it back into the food processor and pulse again briefly before serving!
I’ve tried this with strawberries and peaches. The variations are endless. I’m thinking blueberries next time. Let me know what comes to mind!
Superb! I’ve also tried it with Greek yog, it works a treat!
That’s amazing! How can it be so simple?
ummm sounds heavenly!
Nice! So easy to make and delicious
You’ve been stumbled!
That looks like a great summer treat. We have a Weber smoker and my husband loves it. Have fun with your new toy!
So, who says you have to churn repeatedly to give gelato its characteristic density? Wonderful idea. I use mascarpone as often as possible rather than whipping cream since it holds its shape so well.
Wow thanks so much for the recipe! Love the simplicity!
Joe this looks great, thanks for sharing! That book sounds like a good one, I do need to know more about all of those things described.
Good luck with your catering gig and I can’t wait to see that smoker in action! I will stay tuned for that!
Th color and texture are so adorable!
very cool! such an interesting method. I love simple, and I also love mascarpone and creme fraiche. the possibilities for this method truly are endless.
Thanks all. This is really one of my favorite recipes. I would love to hear other combos as you make them.
Joe
that sounds great! and so easy!
I’m going to try this with some peaches tonight
This is so timely! I have an 8oz container of mascarpone in the chiller w/no clue what to use it for. You’ve given me a seemingly perfect idea since I love gelato with a passion.
Can’t wait to try it – thanks!
Have a delicious day
This is so simple and looks delish!