Helado de Paila de Mora
Helado de paila is a traditional Ecuadorian ice cream made using a copper basin (paila) set over ice and salt. This method creates a uniquely creamy texture. This version features the vibrant flavor of blackberries (mora).
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Blackberries (mora)
- 200 g Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- Plenty Ice
- Plenty Coarse salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the blackberry puree: Blend the blackberries with the water and lemon juice until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
💡 Tip: Using frozen blackberries can result in a smoother puree. - 2
Add the sugar to the blackberry puree and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
💡 Tip: Sweetness can be adjusted based on the ripeness of the blackberries. - 3
Prepare the 'paila' setup: In a large, shallow basin or a clean ice chest, create a bed of ice. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Place the copper basin (paila) in the center of the ice and salt mixture.
💡 Tip: The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, allowing the ice cream to freeze faster. - 4
Pour the blackberry mixture into the copper basin. Using a wooden paddle or a sturdy spatula, stir the mixture continuously while rotating the basin. Scrape the sides and bottom of the basin as the mixture begins to freeze.
💡 Tip: This process requires constant stirring and scraping to achieve a creamy texture and prevent large ice crystals. - 5
Continue stirring and scraping until the mixture reaches a firm, ice cream-like consistency. This can take about 30-45 minutes.
💡 Tip: Work relatively quickly to prevent the ice from melting too much. - 6
Once the desired consistency is reached, serve the helado de paila immediately. Alternatively, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.
💡 Tip: Helado de paila is best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you don't have a copper basin, a sturdy metal bowl can be used, but the traditional texture might be slightly different.
- ✓Ensure you have enough ice and salt to keep the mixture cold throughout the process.
- ✓Other fruits like naranjilla, guanábana, or passionfruit can be used instead of blackberries.
🔄 Variations
- Combine blackberries with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
- Add a splash of rum or a hint of vanilla extract to the blackberry mixture.