Meet the soon-to-be famous (I have hunch), Black Sesame Coconut Ice Cream. An incredibly creamy and dairy-free version of a traditional black sesame ice cream. I was watching the “Chef’s Table” a couple weeks ago, if you all haven’t watched it (on Netflix) you’re missing out! It’s an incredible series sharing the stories of a couple captivating chefs, one of them being chef Niki Nakayama of n/naka restaurant in LA. It got me thinking about asian cuisine and how I haven’t made a version of something I used to LOVE getting every time our family went out to eat, coconut ice cream. Except this time, I’m incorporating an ingredient that I’ve been experimenting with the past year, black sesame paste to make an epic twist on black sesame ice cream. I transform this traditional recipe typically made with egg yolks, heavy cream, refined sugar, and of course black sesame paste and make it dairy-free utilizing less than 5 ingredients like coconut milk, maple syrup, spirulina, and fresh vanilla bean.
The other sesame
What are black sesame seeds? Most of us are very familiar with white sesame seeds which are typically what we call “regular” and are most famously used as a garnish with sushi and ground into the famous tahini paste! Black sesame seeds are the “same” seed, but have a beautiful jet black color and are stronger in flavor. Just like tahini is made out of regular sesame seeds, black sesame paste can be made from black sesame seeds and it tastes delicious and is much stronger in flavor. Traditionally black sesame seed paste is used in Asian cuisine in both sweet and savory dishes like cakes, ice creams, spread as a paste on toast or other dishes where you want to cultivate a strong sesame flavor and have a little fun with color change- turning it dark grey or black. The wonderful thing about both white and black sesame seeds is the nutrition profile, both contain heaps of calcium which is so important for all of us, especially us women. Sesame seeds also contain a wide range of minerals like copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium, and of course and little protein, fiber, and healthy fat. A true beauty food in my opinion.
This ice cream has a beautiful nutty flavor that is almost reminiscent of peanut butter ice cream, yet far more mineral rich and complex- I use both sea salt and black pepper in the ice cream (not traditional ingredients), but that bring out the subtle sweet and savory notes of the black sesame. It’s incredible. You can also have fun with making them into epic ice cream sandwiches or sundaes like my suggestions below!
Top it! Have fun with your toppings and how you want to top this ice cream- personally I’m a purist when it comes to ice cream most of the time and enjoy it plain and simple. So, in that case this one is beautiful with nothing else on it. Otherwise try these:
- Make an epic cookie sandwich using the Coconut Ginger Cookie Crisps…seriously, this is ridiculously good!
- Raw Caramel (talk about indulgent)
- Stir in, Raw Chocolate Malt Brownie Bites
- Coconut Whipped Cream
- My absolute favorite way to enjoy this is with a heavy garnish of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper with a drizzle of honey
- 2, 15 ounce can organic light coconut milk
- 1, 15 ounce can organic full fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 cup black sesame paste (a.k.a. black tahini)
- 1 whole vanilla bean pod
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground spirulina, optional
- Garnish options: sea salt, black pepper, cacao nibs, sliced plums, sliced fresh figs, toasted coconut
- Using a blender, blend all ingredients for this recipe until smooth. Adjust seasonings as you wish, adding more maple syrup for a sweeter ice cream, more sea salt for a more savory ice cream, etc.
- Pour the ice cream liquid into a frozen/chilled ice cream maker and run until smooth (using your ice cream maker instructions).
- Garnish with optional toppings depending on your desired flavors- i.e. sweet or savory.
Here’s what you’ll need: Ice cream maker | ice cream scoop (I love this one) | black sesame paste
I hope you all give this one a go, it’s delicious despite it’s unique color and ingredient list, but definitely worth trying! Show me your creations and how you top your ice cream. #nutritionstripped
xx McKel
