About the Recipe
Panna Cotta, literally translating to 'cooked cream' is a luxurious and silky smooth Italian dairy dessert.
Although it appears quite challenging, it is as easy as it is delicious. That being said, it does require some patience and some time.
Panna Cotta is also a favourite for being very easy to customise depending on personal preference or the ingredients at hand. Matcha Panna Cotta is a Japanese spin on the traditional dessert made by including matcha powder in the mixture before cooling it. It can also be served with spiced fruit for a slightly more Christmassy feel or simply with berry syrup as a nice summer dessert.
Other variations of Panna Cotta may include pineapple, parsimmon, passion fruit, red berry, all sorts of berries, chocolate and salted caramel.
Ingredients
300ml milk
300ml double cream
70g granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
12g gelatin powder/equivalent quantity of sheet gelatin
Preparation
Bloom the Gelatin:Â Start by blooming the gelatin according to package instructions. If using powdered gelatin, sprinkle it over 1/4 cup of luke warm water
Prepare the Panna Cotta Mixture:Â In a saucepan, combine milk, double cream, vanilla and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just about to simmer.
Tip: If you do not have a measuring cylinder use the cream jug to estimate an equal quantity of milk and cream.
Tip: When whisking, whisk twice round the outside and twice in the center
Dissolve Gelatin:Â Take the mixture off the heat just before it starts to simmer. Dissolve the gelatin into the warm mixture, whisking continuously to ensure even incorporation.
Tip: At this point feel free to incorporate flavours such as matcha, chocolate, berries, etc.
Pour into Molds or Glasses:Â Divide the Panna Cotta mixture among your desired serving glasses or molds. This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings, depending on the size of your containers.
Chill and Set:Â Refrigerate the Panna Cotta for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow it to set and achieve its perfect creamy consistency.
Tip: At this point feel free to make a topping such as spiced pears, poached rhubarbs, berry coulis, caramel sauce, etc.
Serve and Enjoy:Â Once set, you can enjoy the Panna Cotta as is or garnish it.