Panna cotta with cherries and chocolate

Panna cotta with sour cherries and chocolate: a refined dessert that combines the creamy delicacy of panna cotta with the intense flavor of chocolate and the freshness of sour cherries. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or simply to indulge after a long day.

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients needed:

For the panna cotta:
- 200 ml heavy cream (unsweetened)
- 200 ml milk (3.5% fat)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (preferably high quality)
- 50 g chocolate (dark or milk, according to preference)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet gelatin (8 g)
- Sour cherry syrup (to taste)
- Sour cherries (fresh or canned, for decoration)

For the chocolate sauce:
- 40 g milk chocolate
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 3 tablespoons milk

Steps for preparation:

1. Hydrating the gelatin: Start by placing the gelatin in a small bowl. Add 3-4 tablespoons of sour cherry syrup or water and let it hydrate for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential to ensure that the gelatin dissolves evenly in the panna cotta mixture, giving it the perfect texture.

2. Preparing the cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, cocoa (dissolved in a little milk to avoid lumps), and vanilla sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. This will infuse the flavors and create a creamy base for the panna cotta.

3. Adding chocolate and gelatin: Once the mixture has started to boil, add the chocolate broken into small pieces and the hydrated gelatin. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and the gelatin is incorporated. This is when the intense aroma of chocolate will start to fill the kitchen, and the dessert will become truly tempting.

4. Cooling and pouring: After about 1 minute of boiling (no more to avoid destroying the properties of the gelatin), remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Wet the silicone molds with cold water to facilitate the removal of the dessert later. In the prepared molds, place a few sour cherries, then pour the panna cotta mixture over them, ensuring the cherries are well covered.

5. Cooling: Let the panna cotta cool at room temperature, then transfer the molds to the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This time is essential for the panna cotta to set and achieve the desired texture.

6. Preparing the chocolate sauce: In a small saucepan, add the milk chocolate, butter, and milk. Place over low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth. This chocolate sauce will add a decadent touch to your dessert.

7. Serving: Once the panna cotta has set, carefully remove it from the molds. You can decorate it with fresh sour cherries and drizzle with chocolate sauce for an appealing look and delicious taste.

Serving suggestions: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a glass of sweet wine or a strong espresso. You can also add toasted nuts for an extra texture.

Nutritional benefits: Panna cotta is a good source of calcium and protein due to the cream and milk. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can provide antioxidants and is associated with heart health benefits, while sour cherries are rich in vitamin C and fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of chocolate? Yes, you can experiment with white chocolate or chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for a more intense flavor.
- How can I make vegan panna cotta? Replace the cream with a plant-based substitute (for example, coconut cream) and use agar-agar instead of animal gelatin.
- What topping variations can I use? You can try a caramel sauce, fresh fruits, or even a fruit puree to add diversity.

I encourage you to try this panna cotta recipe with sour cherries and chocolate, and the result will reward you with an elegant and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the applause of your loved ones!