Kumquat Lemongrass Ice Cream Recipe

A small red bowl with scoops of homemade kumquat lemongrass ice cream.

Serious Eats / Max Falkowitz

Let's take a minute to appreciate two underdogs of the citrus world: lemongrass and kumquats.

Okay, so lemongrass isn't really citrus at all, but the herbaceous and lemony flavor of its reedy stalks improves most everything it touches. Though lemongrass meets its highest purpose in complex curry pastes with fried shallots, moody chilies, and nutty coconut, the stuff makes some fine custard: delicate and light with a touch of perfume. And it's even better when combined with sharp citrus.

Which is where the aggressive tartness of kumquats comes in. These little fruits—currently abundant in the Chinese markets surrounding our office—are a pain to prep but seriously rewarding. They have the rounded sweetness of a Meyer lemon but with way more sass, and a tropical lilt that plays well with the aromatic qualities of lemongrass.

The trouble with kumquats is their overwhelmingly sour juice, not to mention their tiny yield within a thick rind and studs of large seeds. But the feisty kumquat is easy to tame: candy it, skin and all, and you have an entirely edible fruit with the complex bitterness of marmalade and sweet-tart flesh that's much easier to love.

Faux-Candy the Kumquats

To candy citrus properly you need to watch your temperatures and cooking time. Which is why, for this ice cream at least, I don't bother. Were I serving candied kumquats at room temperature with cake or cheese, I'd go the extra mile. But this is ice cream. Cold messes with texture and flavor, and I found that by tossing minced kumquats with sugar and letting them sit overnight, I was able to soften and sweeten the fruit enough so it'd stay pleasantly sweet and chewy, even when frozen.

The Leftovers

This recipe really gives you two gifts in one. The first is the ice cream itself: full of bright kumquat sweetness bolstered by cool lemongrass and rich egg. The second is a bonus: the syrup you get from faux-candying the kumquats overnight. You can drizzle it over this ice cream for sure, but also consider adding a spoonful to an Old Fashioned filled with ice. Stir in a light spirit—gin, light rum, and cachaça all do nicely—followed by a spritz of lemon or lime. Stir, letting some of the ice melt before sipping.

Southeast Asia: 2. Winter: 0.

Recipe Details

Kumquat Lemongrass Ice Cream Recipe

Active 3 hrs
Total 15 hrs
Makes 1 quart

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 stalks lemongrass, tender bottom halves only, tough outer leaves removed, chopped into 1/4-inch segments
  • 1 cup (about 6 1/2 ounces) kumquats, washed and minced, seeds removed
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

  1. In a heavy medium saucepan, bring cream and milk to a simmer over medium heat. When dairy begins to bubble, add lemongrass, cover, shut off heat, and let steep for 2 hours. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a 1 quart liquid measure. Discard lemongrass.

  2. While dairy is steeping, toss minced kumquats with 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl until sugar begins to dissolve. Let sit on counter for 10 minutes, toss again, then refrigerate overnight.

  3. In another heavy medium saucepan, whisk egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar together until lighter in color and slightly thickened. Slowly pour in strained dairy, whisking constantly, about 1/4 cup at a time until half of dairy is integrated into eggs. Pour in remaining dairy and whisk to combine.

  4. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until a custard forms on the back of a spoon and a finger swiped across the back leaves a clean line. Stir in salt to taste, then strain custard into an airtight container and chill overnight.

  5. The next day, churn ice cream according to manufacturer's instructions. Drain kumquats from syrup, reserving syrup for another use. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and quickly fold in kumquats. Chill in freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.

Special Equipment

Ice cream maker

Notes

Quality lemongrass can be found at Chinese and Southeast Asian markets. Look for stalks with moist papery exteriors that bend when flexed, a sign of freshness.

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