Easy Vanilla Gelato

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Combine milk, cream, and half the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add vanilla bean pod and seeds if using. Heat over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
3. Slowly pour hot milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it coats the back of the spoon (170°F), about 8-10 minutes.
5. Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in vanilla extract if using instead of bean. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching surface.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
7. Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions, usually 20-25 minutes.
8. Transfer to airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving for optimal texture.