Panna cotta

Panna Cotta with Vanilla and Strawberry Jam

Discover the pleasure of a classic dessert that is easy to prepare and extremely sophisticated: panna cotta! This Italian dessert, whose name translates to 'cooked cream', is renowned for its creamy texture and delicate flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure, where we will transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:
- 8 sheets of gelatin
- 1 vanilla bean
- 80 g sugar
- 600 ml heavy cream (minimum 30% fat)
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Strawberry jam (for serving)

Step 1: Preparing the Gelatin
Start by hydrating the gelatin. Place the 8 sheets of gelatin in cold water, ensuring they are fully covered. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This is an essential step, as the gelatin must be well-hydrated to achieve a perfect panna cotta.

Step 2: Infusing the Vanilla
Choose a fresh vanilla bean with an intense aroma. Use a sharp knife to split the bean lengthwise, then, with the tip of the knife, scrape out the delicious seeds. In a saucepan, add the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla seeds, and the split vanilla bean. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the vanilla aroma permeates the mixture.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
Once the mixture has simmered, remove it from the heat and take out the vanilla bean. Add the hydrated gelatin to the warm mixture, stirring well until it completely dissolves. It is important that the gelatin is perfectly incorporated to achieve a smooth panna cotta.

Step 4: Cooling and Pouring
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will add a note of freshness to the dessert and balance the sweetness. Begin pouring the panna cotta into small molds (about 150 ml) or you can use a larger mold, depending on your preference. Cover the molds with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until the panna cotta has completely set.

Step 5: Serving
When the panna cotta is ready, it’s time to serve! Gently remove the panna cotta from the molds and place them on plates. Add a generous spoonful of strawberry jam on top of each serving. The flavor of fresh strawberries will perfectly complement the vanilla, providing a contrast of colors and tastes.

Suggestions and Variations:
- If you want to experiment, you can replace the strawberry jam with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a variety of flavors.
- For an elegant touch, you can add a few fresh mint leaves as decoration.
- Panna cotta can be customized with different flavors, such as coffee, chocolate, or lemon, by adding them to the cream mixture.

Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use powdered gelatin instead of sheets?
Yes, you can substitute the gelatin sheets with powdered gelatin. Use about 10 g of powdered gelatin, dissolving it in cold water according to the instructions on the package.

2. How long can panna cotta be stored in the refrigerator?
Panna cotta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, well covered.

3. Can it be made with light cream?
It is recommended to use cream with a higher fat content to achieve a creamy texture, but you can use light cream to reduce calories.

Personal Notes:
This panna cotta recipe is one of my favorites! It reminds me of the times spent with family, when we made it together for special occasions. The delicate taste of vanilla and the strawberry jam creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. I encourage you to try this simple yet impressive recipe and share it with your loved ones!

Enjoy every step of making this delicious panna cotta and don’t forget to explore the different variations you can create! Bon appétit!