Avocado Pistachio Ice Cream, known as sorbetes or "dirty ice cream" in the Philippines, is a lighter and creamier variation of traditional ice cream. It blends the naturally creamy texture of avocados with the crunch of pistachios.
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What is sorbetes?
Locally known as "dirty ice cream," sorbetes is one of the Philippines's favorite treats. Unlike traditional ice cream, it uses coconut milk or carabao milk, along with cassava or tapioca starch to thicken its consistency. This combination minimizes the formation of ice crystals, resulting in a distinctive, creamy yet light texture.
Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
- Avocados: Use ripe avocados, preferably the Hass variety, for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Tapioca starch: This stabilizer thickens the mixture and prevents ice crystals from forming by absorbing excess water. Alternatively, you can use cassava or arrowroot flour in a 1:1 ratio. Another option is to use slightly less cornstarch or a small amount of xanthan gum.
- Heavy cream: Higher fat content of at least 36% helps create a creamy and smooth texture. Full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream can be used as substitutes, while half-and-half may yield a less creamy result.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Combine 3 tablespoons tapioca starch, ⅔ cup granulated sugar (more to taste), 1 cup water, and 2 cups heavy cream in a saucepan. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat and simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. When it slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat.
PRO TIP: For a smooth ice cream, make sure the cassava or tapioca starch is properly thickened before mixing it in for a creamy consistency without ice crystals.
Step 3: Mash 2 large avocados in a bowl or blend them until smooth or slightly chunky.
Step 4: Combine the cream mixture and avocados, mixing until well combined.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled.
Step 6: Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Add ½ cup pistachios gradually toward the end.
Step 7: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface, then cover it completely to prevent ice crystals from forming. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Step 8: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Serve and enjoy your Avocado Ice Cream!
Recipe FAQs
To make this recipe without an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe, shallow container and stir every 30 minutes while it freezes until desired consistency. Expect a slightly less creamy texture with possible iciness.
Absolutely! Freezing avocados is an excellent way to preserve them. They can be a great addition to ice cream and other recipes. Thaw them before mashing or blending to achieve a creamy consistency for the ice cream.
Try these other sorbetes flavors
- Ube (Purple Yam): This ube ice cream with its rich, purple-color has a sweet and nutty taste that's unmistakably Filipino.
- Buko Pandan: Inspired by Buko Pandan Salad, it combines young coconut (buko) with the aromatic flavor of pandan leaves.
- Mango and Cheese: A fusion of the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creamy saltiness of cheese.
- Halo Halo: Inspired by the popular Filipino dessert, Halo-Halo, this sorbetes flavor has layers of flavors and a variety of mix-ins, like jackfruit, beans, nata de coco, sago pearls.
- Sweet Corn: This sorbetes flavor captures the natural sweetness of corn with bits of corn kernels for a textured and subtly sweet treat.
- Tsokolate (Chocolate): A Filipino take on a classic, often made with local cocoa for a distinct richness.
Other drinks and cold treats you may like
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📖 Recipe
Avocado Ice Cream (with Pistachio)
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Blender (Optional)
- 9x5x3 loaf pan or a 2-quart freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 large avocados (or 3 medium) (see note)
- 3 tablespoons tapioca flour (see note)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar more to taste
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups heavy cream (see note)
- ½ cup pistachios chopped; sub: almonds, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes
Instructions
- Combine tapioca starch, sugar, water, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Mix until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. When it slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat.
- In a large bowl, mash the avocados or blend them until smooth or slightly chunky.
- Combine the cream mixture and avocados, mixing until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled.
- Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Add the pistachios gradually toward the end.
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface, then cover it completely to prevent ice crystals from forming. Store it in the coldest part of your freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Avocados: Use ripe avocados, preferably the Hass variety, for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
-
- Tapioca starch: This stabilizer thickens the mixture and prevents ice crystals from forming by absorbing excess water. Alternatively, you can use cassava or arrowroot flour in a 1:1 ratio. Another option is to use slightly less cornstarch or a small amount of xanthan gum.
-
- Heavy cream: Higher fat content of at least 36% helps create a creamy and smooth texture. Full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream can be used as substitutes, while half-and-half may yield a less creamy result.
Lorna says
This looks so good! I have to make it!
Nora Rey says
Hi Lorna! Yesss! Please send me a feedback. I would really appreciate that. I hope you enjoy!