Panna cotta

Panna cotta – a classic Italian dessert, creamy and refined, perfect for any occasion. With a velvety texture and delicate flavor, this simple recipe is sure to become a family and friends' favorite. I will explain step by step how to achieve the best result, also providing you with some suggestions for variations and serving.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 ml heavy cream (35% fat)
- 100 ml milk
- 80 g sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (10 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from a vanilla pod)
- a pinch of salt

For serving:
- caramel sauce or fresh fruits (e.g., raspberries or strawberries)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the gelatin: Start by placing the gelatin in cold water in a small bowl. Let it hydrate for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential for achieving perfect panna cotta, as the gelatin will help thicken the mixture.

2. Heating the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil, as this will affect the fine texture of the panna cotta.

3. Adding the gelatin: Once the mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved, remove the bowl with the gelatin from the water. Drain the excess water and add the gelatin to the warm mixture, stirring vigorously until completely dissolved. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in the panna cotta.

4. Pouring into molds: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, pour the mixture into individual molds or a large container, making sure to leave a little space at the top, as the panna cotta will slightly expand while cooling.

5. Cooling: Cover the molds with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Let them cool for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This cooling time is essential for achieving a perfect texture.

6. Serving: When the panna cotta is ready, carefully remove the molds from the refrigerator. If you want to release them more easily, you can dip the bottom of the molds in warm water for a few seconds. Serve the panna cotta with caramel sauce or fresh fruits for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Practical tips:
- Experiment with flavors: Instead of vanilla, you can add lemon or orange zest for a fresh taste.
- Choose cream with a higher fat content for a creamier texture.
- If you want a healthier option, you can replace the cream with Greek yogurt, although the texture will be different.

Possible variations:
- Chocolate panna cotta: Add 100 g of melted dark chocolate to the warm mixture to create a decadent version.
- Coffee panna cotta: Replace part of the milk with concentrated coffee for a dessert with an intense flavor.

I hope this panna cotta recipe inspires you to start cooking and enjoy every moment of the process. This quick dessert will surely impress everyone!