Panna Cotta with caramel sauce

The Italian dessert Panna Cotta with caramel sauce is a refined choice, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds. This dish, with its smooth and creamy texture, is a true delight that combines simplicity with elegance. Next, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect Panna Cotta, sharing some secrets and useful tips along the way.

Ingredients needed (for 4 servings):
- 1 box of Panna Cotta mix from Dr. Oetker
- 200 ml milk
- 200 ml heavy cream
- Caramel sauce (can be store-bought or homemade, as preferred)

Preparation time:
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Cooling time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

Step by step to prepare Panna Cotta:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It is essential for the cream and milk to be at room temperature for easier mixing. If using a Panna Cotta mix, read the instructions on the package, but don't worry, our recipe will be super simple.

2. Heating the cream and milk: In a medium saucepan, add the heavy cream and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently. Patience is key here! Wait until the mixture starts to simmer gently, without allowing it to boil too hard, to prevent the fats from separating.

3. Adding the mix: Once the cream and milk mixture starts to simmer, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the contents of the Panna Cotta mix packet and whisk well. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth and creamy texture.

4. Boiling the mixture: Put the saucepan back on the heat and boil the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial to activate the thickening agents in the Panna Cotta mix, ensuring that the dessert will have a perfect texture.

5. Pouring into cups: Once the mixture is ready, carefully pour it into dessert cups. You can use glass or ceramic cups, depending on your preference. Allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator.

6. Cooling: Now comes the part that requires a little patience. Leave the cups in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours; ideally, you should leave them overnight. This time will allow them to set and achieve a velvety texture.

7. Serving: When the Panna Cotta is ready, take the cups out of the refrigerator. To gently unmold them onto plates, hold the cups in hot water for about 30 seconds – this trick helps to release the dessert. Then, carefully invert the cups onto the plates.

8. Finishing with caramel sauce: Generously pour caramel sauce over the Panna Cotta. If you want to add a touch of originality, you can sprinkle a little sea salt to enhance the sweet flavors.

Chef's tip:
For a personal touch, you can also add some slices of fresh fruit, such as raspberries or orange slices, which will add a pleasant acidity and a contrast of textures.

Nutritional benefits:
Panna Cotta is a relatively light dessert, but it is high in calories due to the cream. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, but it is rich in calcium and healthy fats. Of course, moderation is key!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can substitute milk with almond or soy milk, but the final result may vary slightly in texture.
- What other sauces can I use? Instead of caramel sauce, you can try a berry sauce or chocolate to completely change the flavor of the dessert.
- How can I customize the recipe? You can add flavors like vanilla, coffee, or even a bit of rum to the cream and milk mixture to add depth to the taste.

Delicious combinations:
To turn the dessert into a complete culinary experience, serve it alongside a fragrant espresso or a sweet wine. A fresh fruit salad can also be an excellent choice to balance the sweetness of the Panna Cotta.

A personal note:
This caramel Panna Cotta recipe reminds me of evenings spent with loved ones, savoring every spoonful of this refined dessert. It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings people together around the table.

Dare to try this simple and quick recipe, and let yourself be carried away by its delicate flavors. Panna Cotta with caramel sauce is more than just a dessert; it is an experience worth savoring!