Laura Mariano
Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that’s smooth and creamy. The name translates to “cooked cream” in Italian. It’s made by simmering cream, sugar, and gelatin, then letting it cool and set until it has a soft, silky texture. It’s often flavored with vanilla but can be customized with various flavors like coffee, citrus, or berries. Panna cotta is typically served chilled, sometimes with a fruit coulis, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh fruit on top.
Here’s a basic panna cotta recipe you can try:
Classic Panna Cotta
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (10 g) gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Berry coulis
- Caramel sauce
- Mint leaves
Instructions:
- Prepare Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom and soften.
- Heat Cream Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
- Dissolve Gelatin:
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot cream mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add Vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour and Chill:
- Pour the mixture into serving glasses or molds. Let them cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. The panna cotta should be firm but still jiggle slightly when moved.
- Serve:
- If you used molds, gently unmold by dipping the bottom of the mold in hot water for a few seconds, then inverting onto a plate. Otherwise, serve directly from the glasses.
- Top as Desired:
- Add your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, berry coulis, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, delightful panna cotta!
