Scale

2 cups full-fat (4%) cottage cheese: Ensures creaminess; avoid low-fat or fat-free versions.
⅓ cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the ice cream.
½ cup sugar: Provides the right amount of sweetness.
¼ cup cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste.
4 ounces finely chopped dark chocolate (about ½ cup): Introduces delightful chocolate bits throughout the ice cream.

Warm the Base Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cottage cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the cottage cheese softens. This step ensures a smoother blend later on.
Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the warmed mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture achieves a completely smooth consistency. This blending process is crucial for eliminating any graininess from the cottage cheese.
Chill the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate until it’s thoroughly chilled. This typically takes about 3 hours or can be left overnight. Chilling is essential for proper churning later.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and process it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As the ice cream nears completion, add the finely chopped dark chocolate. This ensures even distribution of chocolate pieces throughout.
Serve or Store: For a soft-serve texture, enjoy the ice cream immediately. If you prefer a firmer consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours before serving.

Choosing the Right Cottage Cheese: Opt for full-fat cottage cheese to achieve a creamy texture. Low-fat versions might result in an icy consistency.

Blending Thoroughly: Ensure you blend the mixture until it’s entirely smooth. Any remaining lumps can affect the final texture of the ice cream.

Chilling Before Churning: Don’t skip the chilling step before churning. A well-chilled mixture churns better and yields a creamier ice cream.

Storing Properly: Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and to maintain its creamy texture.