Rice Gelato

The feature of this recipe is rice, and therefore it offers an unusual texture. You’ll find it unlike any other gelato, as it is subtle and yet distinctive in a very delicious way.

INGREDIENTS | YIELD: 1 QUART
3    cups milk
½ cup sugar
½ cup rice, rinsed
½ cup heavy cream Pinch salt
4    large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract Pinch nutmeg

Rice
Italians have a bit of a love affair with rice when it comes to desserts, unlike many Americans. Sweet but not too sweet seems to be the trend in Italian sweet desserts, known as dolci. Many pies, tarts, and cannoli in Italy feature a substantial amount of the grain.
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of the milk to a boil with ¼ cup of the sugar until sugar is dissolved. Stir in rice and simmer for 1 hour. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream, and cover. Refrigerate for 2 hours or more.
2. Bring remaining milk, sugar, and salt to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Once milk mixture is hot, temper the yolks by adding half of the mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan, and heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Chill 4 hours or overnight. Stir in the rice mixture and nutmeg.
5. Add to ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions for freezing. Stop the churning as soon as the gelato is just frozen.