8 Unique Ice Cream Flavors From Around the World
Creamed cod ice cream is the British version of fish and chips in a scoop. Garlic-flavored ice cream is another one that's sure to leave your breath stinking.
1. Foie Gras
Foie gras (pronounced fwah grah) is a rich, creamy liver dish from ducks and geese that are fattened through force-feeding techniques called gavage. It is often served as a pate with brandy, seasonings, and truffles; pureed and spread on toast; or cooked in a terrine. Proper French etiquette says that only white, slightly chilled bread can accompany foie gras. Butter is considered superfluous, and high-calorie ingredients like mayonnaise and ketchup are a no-no.
The process of raising ducks and geese for foie gras has long been a subject of controversy. Animal rights activists consider it unethical because farmers force them to eat fatty corn-based feed through a tube inserted into their throats, which causes the livers to grow up to 10 times their normal size. However, the farmers and chefs who make the product say that this is a necessary part of making the best foie gras. Regardless, NYC recently passed a ban on the product, which was celebrated by both animal rights activists and local producers. The Catskill Foie Gras Collective, which includes the city's main producers of the delicacy, is challenging the ban.
2. Beef Tongue
While ice cream is usually associated with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors, some inventive shops are trying out more out-of-the-ordinary frozen treats. From goat cheese and beets to roasted garlic, these unique flavors will definitely make your jaw drop.
Beef tongue is considered one of the poor people's cuts of meat, but this delicacy is not to be missed. It is tender, juicy and subtly beefy. It is a staple in Jewish delis and taco trucks, but this Colorado ice cream shop turned this offal into a unique treat.
While Moose Tracks is an established and popular flavor in the US, this Japanese variation is worth a try. It is black as a moonless night but bursting with nutty and toasty flavors. The contrasting textures of the dark ice cream and toasted sesame seeds makes it a treat for your taste buds.
3. Goat Cheese Beet Swirl
The tang of roasted beets and the creaminess of goat cheese come together in this salad. The recipe calls for sprinkling in flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper to really help all of the flavors shine. It’s best served with a green salad and other roasted vegetables like squash, zucchini and carrots. You can make the roasted beets and dressing up to two days ahead of time, then just assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
For a heartier meal, try serving it on crusty bread with a bowl of potato leek soup or another warm fall or winter dish. It also makes a delicious Thanksgiving side dish alongside dishes like green bean casserole and turkey. To make it even more festive, garnish with a sprinkling of gold leaf.
5. Queso
The unofficial dish of Texas, chile con queso (or simply queso) is a dip of melted cheese and chiles. It's served with tortilla chips and is often used to make "cheese pull Instas," which is why it's a popular appetizer in Tex-Mex restaurants.
There are many different versions of queso, some with more ingredients than others. The basic cheese is typically American, but chefs often add things like tomato, peppers, chorizo (a spiced sausage), different types of meat, pico de gallo and more to give it a unique flavor. Queso can be made gluten free, although many recipes call for flour as a thickener.
Some queso traditionalists stick to a simple version of the dip, using a brick of Velveeta and Ro-Tel. But even fast-food restaurants have started to offer more inventive variations on the dish. For example, Wendy's new version of chile con queso uses poblano peppers to give it more heat. And Chipotle recently released a 'natural' queso that is supposedly made without any of the additives found in traditional processed cheese, such as added flavors, colors and gums.
6. Chunky Monkey
Luscious creamy banana, melt-in-your mouth chocolate chunks and toasty roasted walnut pieces are the hallmark of this classic ice cream. The recipe is easy to make in the comfort of your own home and will be sure to be a hit with everyone in the family. You will need:
Bananas: Make sure they are nice and ripe, the more ripe the better!
Brown Sugar: the brown sugar adds a caramel flavor to this recipe.
Whipping Cream: it must be full fat (around 3.5% fat).
Chocolate: I used semi sweet chocolate chips, you can use your favorite chocolate instead.
Combine the ingredients, then pour into an ice cream maker and churn as per the manufacturers directions. When it is nearly finished churning add the toasted walnut and chocolate chunks, and stir to distribute evenly. Transfer into a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.
8. Garlic
From the people who brought us Moose Tracks and Cherry Garcia comes this unique ice cream flavor. The sweet, earthy flavors of local Japanese sweet potato are a perfect match for the people of Kanazawa who enjoy subtle treats and avoid overly sweet ones.
A staple in many households, sage is used as a seasoning and even as a dessert topping in Japan. This creamy treat is infused with the savory herb for a unique flavor that’s sure to surprise and delight.
For those who love a morning cup of coffee and want a taste of home, this delicious ice cream is the perfect treat. Made with brown sugar cinnamon crumbles and rich coffee flavored soft serve, this treat is sure to make you start your day off right.
It may sound gross, but this flavor is actually quite tasty. The fiery spice that makes sushi so good is blended into a creamy base to give you a unique flavor that is both spicy and delicious. You can try this unique ice cream flavor at the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
