Mexican Ice Cream, known as nieve raspada, offers a delightful alternative to traditional snow cones. Instead of artificial syrups, nieve raspada features fresh fruit-based syrups called almibar, resulting in a vibrant and naturally flavorful treat. This guide will share three popular almibar recipes: Creamy Strawberry (Fresa de Leche), Tamarind (Tamarindo), and Guava (Guayaba).
Crafting the Perfect Nieve Raspada
The foundation of nieve raspada lies in finely shaved ice. While a blender can crush ice cubes, a specialized ice shaver called a cepillo creates the ideal texture. Alternatively, you can purchase a block of ice from a local ice shop.
To use a cepillo, place a kitchen towel underneath the ice block to prevent slippage. Scrape the cepillo in a forward motion across the ice.
Shaving ice with a cepillo
The cepillo will fill with shaved ice.
Cepillo filled with shaved ice
Spoon the shaved ice into a cup and generously drizzle your favorite almibar over it.
Homemade Almibar Recipes
Almibar de Tamarindo (Tamarind Syrup)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound peeled tamarind pods
- 3 cups water
- 6 cups sugar
Directions:
Combine the tamarind pods, water, and sugar in a large saucepan.
Tamarind syrup ingredients in a saucepan
Simmer over medium heat until the tamarind pods soften. Gently crush the pods and remove the seeds.
Crushing tamarind pods for syrup
Allow the syrup to cool before serving over shaved ice.
Almibar de Guayaba (Guava Syrup)
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds quartered guavas
- 2 cups water
- 6 cups sugar
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
Guava syrup ingredients in saucepan
Let the syrup cool before enjoying it over shaved ice.
Thickened guava syrup
Almibar de Fresa de Leche (Creamy Strawberry Syrup)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 2 pounds hulled strawberries
- 1 cup water
- 5 cups sugar
- Optional lime zest
Directions:
Heat the milk until hot, then let it cool. In a separate saucepan, combine the strawberries, water, sugar, and lime zest. Cook until thickened.
Strawberry syrup ingredients cooking
Let the strawberry mixture cool slightly, then gradually add the cooled milk until you achieve your desired consistency.
Enjoy your refreshing nieve raspada! Remember to refrigerate any leftover almibar.
