Embrace the silken caress of Panna Cotta, Italy's beloved 'cooked cream'. This dessert whispers luxury with its smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture contrasted by a vibrant berry coulis or a drizzle of rich caramel. It's a symphony of simplicity and elegance.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Set Time: 4 hours
Servings and Size
- Yields: 6 servings
- Serving Size: 120g
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugars: 18g
Ingredients
- Heavy cream - 500ml
- Granulated sugar - 100g
- Vanilla bean - 1 (split and scraped)
- Gelatin leaves - 3 (or equivalent powdered gelatin)
- Fresh berries for garnish - 150g
- Mint leaves for garnish - a small bunch
- Method of Preparation:Soak gelatin leaves in cold water.
- Heat cream, sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in gelatin until dissolved.
- Pour into molds and chill until set.
- Serve with berry coulis or caramel and garnish.
Culinary Tips
- For the creamiest texture, avoid boiling the cream mixture.
- Customize flavors with citrus zest or coffee.
- To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of the mold in hot water.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin? A: Yes, follow package instructions for the correct ratio.
- Q: How long does Panna Cotta last in the fridge? A: Up to 2 days, covered to prevent absorption of fridge odors.
- Q: Can Panna Cotta be frozen? A: It's not recommended as freezing can alter the texture.
Conclusion
Panna Cotta is the quintessence of dessert minimalism, where less is truly more, offering an indulgent end to any meal.