Last Updated on June 3, 2023
Do you want to make a easy yet fancy dessert? Try this vegan and gluten free creation; Sweet, Savory and Spicy Chocolate Gelato. It has usual toppings like roasted peanuts and some unusual ones; extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t be afraid by the sound of it! It is unexpectedly delicious!
The Inspiration
I heard some Japanese people enjoy pouring soy sauce as a topping of vanilla ice cream. It sounds oddly enough but I needed to try out. Actually, it was not as bizarre as it sounded. Well, this recipe is not as odd as the ice cream with soy sauce. But, I combined all the flavor profiles that I enjoy in general.
I am a big fan of sweet & savory combination for both savory dishes and dessert. Chocolate anything with sea salt always calls my name. Now, I once had a fancy chocolate dessert decorated with a mystery green-ish/yellow-ish thing. Yes, it was extra virgin olive oil! I remember, this combination was, at least to me, sensational! Olive oil had a bit spicy, earthy, and fruity coat to the chocolate flavor component which was really heavenly!
Have you had chocolate with hot chili pepper? This combo is also one of my favorites. Instead of hot chili pepper, I experimented with black pepper. Very interesting!
Lastly, if I have to pick one regular topping for chocolate ice cream, that would definitely be peanuts!
The Ingredients
To recap, here is what you need to make this delicious dessert!
- Chocolate Gelato (or chocolate ice cream of your choice)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- Unsalted Roasted Peanuts
Yep, it takes only 5 ingredients!
The Tips and Recipe Notes
Here is the break down in more details.
Chocolate Gelato
You may have already checked out my other ice cream (gelato) recipes on this blog using the product from Revolution Gelato. I think by now I have tried 6 flavors! Honestly, they are a bit pricey compare to other plant-based ice-cream alternatives. But this brand is my absolute favorite! If you live in the U.S, you can find them at Whole Foods Market.
For this recipe, I used Darkest Chocolate flavor. It is super intense, rich and creamy!
You can certainly substitute with other chocolate flavored ice cream however if you are curious about this Chocolate Gelato, you will not regret it!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
You know how important it is to use good ingredients when it comes to making simple foods. I would recommend using extra virgin olive oil that is on a fruity side with a hint of spiciness.
Coarse Sea Salt
Make sure to use coarse sea salt, not fine one. Also, a little pinch goes a long way.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
Yes, use freshly cracked ones for the aroma! If you have a coarse grind setting, it may be even better as you can kind of bite into them.
Unsalted Roasted Peanuts
Since you sprinkle coarse sea salt, make sure to use unsalted ones otherwise it gets too salty. I bulk-buy roasted peanuts to keep in my pantry/freezer. They are already roasted but I toast in a pan for a couple of minutes until aromatic and lightly browned. I believe this makes a bit of a difference in the taste as the roasted flavor comes alive!
Feeling Inspired?
Try my other interesting dessert recipes featuring Revolution Gelato!
Vanilla Gelato with Sweet Adzuki Beans & Matcha
Vanilla Gelato with Sweet Adzuki Beans & Strawberries
Vanilla Ice Cream with Toasted Sesame Seeds & Sea Salt
Sweet, Savory and Spicy Chocolate Gelato
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted roasted peanuts chopped
- 1/2 pint good quality vegan chocolate gelato or ice cream (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper (coarse grind will be better for more heat)
Instructions
- Heat up a frying pan at medium heat. Toast peanuts for a couple of minutes until aromatic and lightly browned. Transfer to a cutting board and chop them with knife. Be careful not to burn yourself! Set aside.
- In a bowl or plate, serve a couple of scoops of gelato (ice cream.) Pour extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt, black pepper, and chopped peanuts.
