Panna cotta with chocolate and berry topping

Chocolate Panna Cotta with Berry Topping - An Unforgettable Italian Dessert

Who hasn't heard of panna cotta? This refined dessert, with deep roots in Italian culinary tradition, has won the hearts of many, and once you taste it, it becomes clear why. Easy to prepare and extremely versatile, panna cotta can be customized in countless ways, but the recipe we propose today, with decadent chocolate and a topping of fresh berries, is truly special.

Total preparation time: 7 hours (3 hours chilling + 10 hours to set)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 900 ml cream (preferably with a fat content of 20%, such as LaDorna)
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 20 g gelatin (about 2 sheets of gelatin)
- 90 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa is ideal)
- 1 vanilla pod
- 100 g berries (raspberries and blueberries are the best)

A Short Story

Panna cotta means 'cooked cream' in Italian, and its preparation is based on the simple combination of cream with sugar and gelatin. This recipe was born out of the need to preserve milk and cream in an era when refrigeration was not available. Today, panna cotta is a global favorite, served in luxury restaurants as well as at home, becoming a symbol of culinary elegance.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Gelatin
In a small bowl, add 20 g of gelatin over 10 tablespoons of cold water. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until the gelatin swells and becomes soft. This step is essential for achieving a perfect panna cotta.

Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate Panna Cotta
In a medium saucepan, heat 100 ml of milk along with 100 g of sugar. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves, but do not let the milk boil. Add 450 ml of cream and stir until smooth. Heat the mixture until it starts to steam, but again, avoid boiling.

Add the broken chocolate pieces into the warm mixture and stir well until completely melted. Use a mixer to achieve a fine consistency if necessary. Now, add half of the prepared gelatin and mix well until incorporated.

Step 3: Cooling and Setting
Cool the panna cotta mixture over ice or in cold water for about 10 minutes, then pour it into individual containers until half full. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.

Step 4: Preparing the Vanilla Panna Cotta
In another saucepan, heat the remaining 100 ml of milk with the seeds from the vanilla pod and 100 g of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the remaining 450 ml of cream and heat until it lightly steams, but without boiling. Once it has cooled slightly, add the remaining gelatin, mixing well.

Step 5: Completing the Dessert
Once the chocolate panna cotta has set, carefully pour the vanilla panna cotta on top, leaving a space of 2-3 cm at the top. Place the containers back in the refrigerator for another 3 hours.

Step 6: Preparing the Topping
For the topping, place the berries over low heat and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they form a thicker paste. Allow to cool completely before pouring over the panna cotta. It is important not to add the topping before the dessert is fully set.

Step 7: Final Cooling
Put the panna cotta in the refrigerator for at least 10 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and achieve a perfect texture.

Suggestions and Variations

For a lighter dessert, replace part of the cream with milk, using a ratio of 450 ml milk and 450 ml cream. You can also experiment with flavors by adding a bit of coffee or even a splash of coffee liqueur instead of chocolate.

Serving Recommendations

Serving panna cotta is just as important as preparing it. You can place the dessert on an elegant plate, garnishing it with some fresh fruits and mint leaves for a refined look. A caramel or chocolate sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This panna cotta recipe is rich in calcium and protein due to the cream and milk. Although it has a higher sugar content, the berries add essential antioxidants and vitamins, making the dessert not only delicious but also healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but the taste will be different. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the chosen chocolate.

2. How long does panna cotta last in the refrigerator?
Panna cotta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered with plastic wrap.

3. Is it possible to make panna cotta without gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegan alternative, but you will need to follow specific instructions to activate it.

4. What other recipes can panna cotta be combined with?
Panna cotta pairs very well with chocolate cakes, fruit tarts, or crunchy cookies, but can also be enjoyed alongside a sweet wine or an espresso.

In conclusion, chocolate panna cotta with berry topping is a dessert that impresses not only with its appearance but also with its refined taste. I encourage you to try this recipe at home, guaranteeing that it will quickly become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy!