Panna cotta with berries

Panna Cotta with Berries - A Delicious and Elegant Dessert

Total preparation time: 24 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the world of refined desserts! Today we will prepare a panna cotta with berries, a creamy and delicate dessert, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself. Panna cotta, originating from culinary tradition, is a classic Italian dessert that has gained worldwide popularity due to its silky texture and versatility.

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 ml heavy cream (an ideal combination is 400 ml cream and 200 ml sweet cooking cream)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 and a half packets of gelatin (approximately 15 g)
- 150 ml cold water (for hydrating the gelatin)
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Berry syrup (for serving)

Step by step: Preparing the Panna Cotta

1. Hydrating the gelatin: Start by hydrating the gelatin. Place the 15 g of gelatin in 150 ml of cold water and let it sit for 10 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a panna cotta with a perfect texture.

2. Preparing the cream mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly. It is important not to let the mixture boil, but to bring it just to the boiling point.

3. Dissolving the gelatin: Once the mixture reaches almost boiling, add the hydrated gelatin. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This step ensures an even distribution of gelatin in the mixture.

4. Cooling the mixture: Once the gelatin has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes. It is essential that the mixture is not hot when pouring it into molds to avoid melting them.

5. Pouring into molds: Moisten the molds with cold water to facilitate the release of the panna cotta after cooling. Then, pour the panna cotta mixture into the molds. This detail makes the dessert easy to unmold and have a beautiful shape.

6. Cooling in the refrigerator: After pouring the mixture into the molds, place them in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, but ideally, leave them overnight. This cooling time allows the gelatin to do its magic and transform the mixture into a creamy and firm dessert.

7. Unmolding the panna cotta: When you are ready to serve, take the molds out of the refrigerator. To easily release them, hold the molds in warm water for 2-3 minutes. This simple trick helps to release the panna cotta without damaging it.

8. Serving: Unmold the panna cotta onto a platter or onto individual plates. Decorate with fresh berries and drizzle with berry syrup. You can also add a few mint leaves for a more elegant look.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the fruits: Fresh berries not only add a touch of freshness, but also provide a pleasant contrast of acidity to the sweetness of the panna cotta. You can experiment with different types of fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, to add a tropical note.

- The fruit syrup: If you don't have berry syrup on hand, you can make a quick one. Boil a cup of berries with half a cup of sugar and half a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool.

- Flavor variations: You can add additional flavors to the cream, such as a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract, to create a different version of this classic dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

Panna cotta is a dessert rich in calcium and protein due to the cream. Berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Each serving of panna cotta contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use milk instead of cream?: Traditional panna cotta is made with cream, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can use milk. The texture will be different, but it will be just as delicious.

- How long can I keep panna cotta in the refrigerator?: Panna cotta can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

- Is this dessert suitable for vegans?: Although the traditional recipe is not vegan, you can use plant-based alternatives, such as nut cream or coconut milk, and vegan gelatin (agar-agar).

This refined dessert is not only easy to prepare but also a true treat for the taste buds. Whether you serve it at an elegant dinner or as a sweet surprise for loved ones, panna cotta with berries will surely be a hit! Enjoy every spoonful and let yourself be carried away by its creaminess and the flavor of fresh fruits. Bon appétit!