Paan (Betel Leaf) Ice cream...Khaai ke Paan Banaras Wala...

My love for ice cream is devoted and i am sure that most of us share the same passion. More than just eating ice creams, i love trying out various different 'seasonal' and 'unimaginable' flavours. 'Paan' which is also called 'betel' has been one of such flavours that left me happily astonished. How could somebody come up with such a brilliant flavour! Reminds me of the famous Amitabh Bacchan song from 'Don'..."Khaai ke paan Banaras wala..." 

Paan (Betel Leaf) has been the most popular mouth freshener in India and still continues to be loved by almost all. It is eaten after meals not only as a mouth freshener but also to help in digestion. Many paan innovations have surfaced ever since and Paan Ice cream is a simply amazing! 

Betel Leaves

I have been wanting to try this at home since a long long time. Trust me its really simple to make. Its a quick recipe that takes only 15 minutes to make. So if you are expecting some guests over and want to serve them something innovative yet truly Indian for dessert, Try this at home!!!

Preparation time: 5 minutes 

Cooking time: 10 Minutes 

Serves: 4

You will need:

Betel Leaves / Paan Leaves – 20

Vanilla Icecream – 500 grams

Sugared Rose Petals / Gulkand – 4 to 5 Tablespoons

Fennel Seeds / Luckhnavi Saunf – 2 to 3 Tablespoons (Powder half the amount) 
Luckhnavi saunf is small in size and has awesome aroma.
Menthol – a pinch

Dried Dates / Khareek – 3 to 4 (Soaked overnight and finely chopped)

Desiccated Coconut Powder - 1 Tablespoon
Cardamom Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Green Food Colour - 1 drop (Optional)

You can also use the 'readymade paan masala' instead, which has almost all the mentioned ingredients in it.

Method:

     1. Thoroughly wash the leaves and pat dry with paper napkin. Grind 18 leaves with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to smooth paste. Take a strainer and strain the extract and keep it aside.

       2. Remove the store bought vanilla ice cream in a big bowl. Add Gulkand + Fennel Seeds + Menthol + chopped dates + Desiccated Coconut powder + Cardamom Powder and mix thoroughly.

       3. Chop the remaining 2 betel leaves and add it to the ice cream mixture. Add the betel extract as well. You may want to add the green food colour to enhance the colour of the icecream. Mix mix mix...

     

     4. Pour the mixture in a container and keep it in the freezer till it is done.

5. Scoop it out or dig in...enjoy the way you want! After all ice cream surely turns a person into a kid again!Drooooool...:D

Don't forget to feed me back with your experience, suggestions, tips and comments. Would love to hear from you.:)