Shir Yakh Sar Seer

Shir Yakh Sar Seer, also known as Iranian garlic ice cream, is an intriguing and delightful dessert that combines the pungent flavor of garlic with the creamy sweetness of traditional ice cream. This unique dish is a testament to the creativity and depth of Persian cuisine, where unusual flavors are balanced in harmonious elegance. Originating from the diverse culinary heritage of Iran, this dessert is often shared at feasts and cultural celebrations, highlighting the adventurous spirit of Persian flavors.

Ingredients

• Milk
• Heavy Cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Garlic
• Egg Yolks
• Salt

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Peeled cloves of garlic should be blanched in hot water for a few seconds to slightly soften their pungency before being finely minced. This process ensures that while the garlic flavor is present, it doesn't overpower the milk-based dessert.

Step 2: Create the Ice Cream Base

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Slightly warm the mixture over medium heat, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely, but do not bring it to a boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Gradually add small amounts of the warmed milk mixture to the egg yolks to temper them. This prevents curdling when the yolks are added back into the hot mixture.
3. Once tempered, pour the egg yolks back into the saucepan with the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, enough to coat the back of a spoon. This forms the custard base for the ice cream.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Season

Add the minced garlic to the custard base along with a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. The salt balances the sweetness, while the vanilla provides a complementary aromatic note to the garlic.

Step 4: Chilling and Churning

1. Transfer the custard mixture into a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving you a delightfully creamy texture.

Step 5: Freezing

After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up to a scoopable consistency.

Enjoying Shir Yakh Sar Seer

Serve Shir Yakh Sar Seer in small bowls or on cones. For those new to the flavor combination, you may wish to offer a taste with a pinch of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of honey to further highlight its complex flavors. Its intriguing profile makes it a conversation starter, ideal for adventurous dessert lovers seeking something different at their next gathering. Remember to keep a cooking timer handy when preparing this dish to ensure steps aren’t missed, fostering the creation of perfect Shir Yakh Sar Seer.