Panna Cotta Recipe | Just In 9 Easy Steps.

Panna cotta is a delightful Italian dessert known for its creamy and velvety texture. Its name literally translates to “cooked cream.” This delicacy is made by simmering a mixture of cream, sugar, and gelatin until the gelatin dissolves, infusing the cream with its signature wobbly consistency.

The dessert’s origins can be traced back to the Piedmont region of Italy, where it was traditionally flavored with vanilla and served with fresh fruits or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Over time, variations with different flavorings, such as citrus, coffee, or chocolate, have become popular.

What makes panna cotta truly special is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, it’s a versatile dessert that can be made in advance and tailored to suit individual tastes. Panna cotta’s elegant appearance and luxurious mouthfeel have made it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether enjoyed as a light finish to a gourmet meal or a sweet treat on its own, panna cotta continues to captivate dessert enthusiasts worldwide.

Ingredients Of Panna Cotta Recipe:

For the panna cotta:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 teaspoons powdered gelatin
• 3 tablespoons cold water

For the berry coulis:

• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step By Step Instructions Of Panna Cotta Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Before you start, soak the powdered gelatin in cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Keep both the seeds and the pod. Measure out the cream, milk, and sugar. Wash the berries, remove any stems, and pat them dry. Prepare a small saucepan for the berry coulis.

Step 2: Infuse the cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla seeds, and the scraped vanilla pod (if using). Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. Once it simmers, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes. This allows the vanilla flavor to infuse into the cream.

Step 3: Prepare the berry coulis

While the cream is infusing, you can prepare the berry coulis. Place the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in the small saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices. Use a spoon to crush the berries slightly to help extract the flavors. Simmer the coulis for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 4: Strain the cream mixture

After the 15 minutes of steeping, strain the infused cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the vanilla pod, as it has already infused its flavor. If you prefer, you can rinse the pod, let it dry, and save it for future use.

Step 5: Dissolve the gelatin

In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the bloomed gelatin for about 10 seconds until it completely dissolves. Alternatively, you can dissolve it in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to let it boil. Once the gelatin is dissolved, add it to the strained cream mixture and whisk well to combine.

Step 6: Pour into molds

Now, it’s time to pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving molds or ramekins. If you want to unmold the panna cotta later, lightly grease the molds with a neutral oil (such as vegetable oil) to help with the release. Pour the mixture evenly among the molds.

Step 7: Chill and set

Place the filled molds on a baking sheet or tray and refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the panna cotta to set and achieve its signature creamy texture.

Step 8: Serve

Once the panna cotta is set, it’s time to serve! Remove the molds from the refrigerator and check if they are firm to the touch. If you want to unmold them, carefully run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the panna cotta. Place a serving plate on top of the mold, and gently invert to release the dessert.

Drizzle the chilled berry coulis over each panna cotta before serving. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a mint sprig for an elegant touch.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Now, savor the delightful taste and silky-smooth texture of your homemade vanilla panna cotta with berry coulis. This elegant dessert is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like almond, orange, or coconut, or try various fruit coulis.

Remember that panna cotta is best served chilled, so if you have any leftovers, keep them refrigerated and consume them within a few days for the best taste and quality.

Enjoy your culinary journey, and happy cooking!