Panna Cotta - tested recipe

Panna Cotta - The Italian Delight in an Elegant Form

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert, famous for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. Its name literally means "cooked cream," and its recipe derives from the tradition of using simple yet refined ingredients to create an astonishing final product. It is a dessert that blends tradition with elegance, making it perfect for special occasions or to delight guests at a casual dinner.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step, so you can achieve a perfect, creamy, and flavorful panna cotta. Let’s get started!

Ingredients needed
- 500 ml heavy cream (ideally with 30-35% fat for a smooth texture)
- 90 ml milk (you can use whole milk for a richer taste)
- 100 g sugar (preferably fine sugar, for even dissolving)
- 12 g gelatin (either granules or sheets, but granules are easier to use)
- 1 vial vanilla extract (or a vanilla pod for an authentic taste)
- 1 vial rum extract (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- 200 g fresh strawberries (for decoration and sauce)
- Strawberry syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

Useful for preparation
- Small pot or saucepan
- Bowls or cups for serving
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- A blender (if you want to make strawberry sauce)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the gelatin
Start by placing the gelatin in 50 ml of cold milk. This will allow the gelatin to hydrate and soften. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes spongy.

2. Heating the cream and sugar
In a small pot, add the heavy cream, the remaining milk (40 ml), and the sugar. Place over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is warm and the sugar completely dissolves. Do not let it boil, just warm it gently.

3. Incorporating the gelatin
When the cream and milk mixture is warm, add the hydrated gelatin along with the vanilla and rum extracts. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring the gelatin dissolves completely. Continue to stir for a minute without letting it boil.

4. Cooling the mixture
Carefully pour the mixture into bowls or serving cups. Cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta has completely set.

5. Preparing the strawberry sauce (optional)
If you want to add a strawberry sauce, wash and hull the strawberries, then blend them in a blender until you get a puree. You can add a bit of sugar if you want a sweeter sauce. Keep the sauce in the refrigerator until the panna cotta is ready.

6. Serving
Once the panna cotta is well set, carefully unmold each serving onto a plate. If you have difficulty, you can dip the bottom of the bowl in warm water for a few seconds to release it more easily. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices and pour the strawberry sauce on top. You can also add mint leaves for an extra splash of color.

Helpful tips
- Flavor variations: Panna Cotta can be customized with various flavors. For example, try adding lemon or orange zest for a citrusy taste or even coffee for a more complex dessert profile.
- Gelatin: If you are using gelatin sheets, make sure to hydrate them according to the instructions on the package. Usually, they need to be soaked in cold water for 5-10 minutes.
- Serving: This dessert pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or a fruit tea. It offers a complete culinary experience!

Nutritional benefits
Panna Cotta is rich in lipids due to the cream, providing a creamy taste and a feeling of satiety. Strawberries, on the other hand, are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, adding extra nutritional benefits to the dessert.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use skim milk?
Yes, but the texture will be less creamy. We recommend using high-fat milk for the best results.
- How long can panna cotta be stored?
Panna Cotta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.
- Can I substitute gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based alternative, keeping in mind that this ingredient requires slightly different preparation.

Panna Cotta is a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for impressing. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will bring smiles and applause. Experiment with flavors, decorations, and different presentations, and feel free to share this recipe with your loved ones!