Panna cotta with oranges and mint

Panna Cotta with Oranges and Mint – An Unforgettable Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 4-5 hours
Total: 4-5 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover the magic of a dessert that combines the delicacy of panna cotta with the fresh flavors of oranges and mint. This refined, easy-to-make dessert will take you on a journey of flavors that will delight your senses. Panna cotta, a traditional Italian recipe, has gained popularity worldwide due to its velvety texture and versatility. In this version, we add a splash of citrus and a hint of freshness, resulting in a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 ml liquid cream for whipping
- Juice from 2 fresh oranges (approximately 150 ml)
- Zest from one orange
- 75 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 7 g gelatin (preferably granules)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 75 ml water

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the cream mixture:
In a medium saucepan, add the liquid cream, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Watch carefully, as we want to heat the mixture, not bring it to a boil. Once the cream is hot and the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

2. Infusing the mint:
In another container, add 75 ml of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the finely chopped mint leaves. Cover the pot with a plate and let it infuse for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to unfold. After this time, strain the infusion to remove the mint leaves, then place the infusion back on the heat until it becomes hot.

3. Dissolving the gelatin:
In a small bowl, add the gelatin and pour the hot mint infusion over it. Mix well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. It is important to ensure that no gelatin granules remain, as they can affect the final texture of the dessert.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the gelatin mixture, through a strainer, into the cooled cream mixture. Whisk well, ensuring that the gelatin is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will give the panna cotta its creamy and smooth texture.

5. Pouring into molds:
Divide the mixture into the desired molds. You can use individual ramekins or a single dish, depending on your preferences. Make sure the molds are slightly damp to facilitate the release of the panna cotta after it has set.

6. Chilling:
Place the molds in the refrigerator and let them chill and set for 4-5 hours. I recommend leaving them overnight for an even better result.

7. Serving:
Once the panna cotta is fully set, you can serve it. If you used ramekins, you can quickly dip them in warm water to release them more easily. Garnish with slices of fresh orange and a few mint leaves for an attractive presentation.

Suggestions and variations:

- Mint infusion: If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, you can let the leaves macerate in sugar syrup for a day. This syrup can be added to the cream mixture to enhance the flavor.

- Berries: This panna cotta pairs excellently with a berry sauce, which can add a touch of acidity and a contrast of colors.

- Associated drinks: Serving with a citrus cocktail or a cold mint tea can transform the dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 290
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace gelatin with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use agar-agar, a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve a similar texture.

2. What can I do if the panna cotta doesn’t set?
If it doesn’t set, you can try reheating it and adding a little more dissolved gelatin.

3. How can I store panna cotta?
You can keep the panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is easy to prepare in advance for special occasions.

Panna cotta with oranges and mint is not just a dessert, but an experience that brings joy to the table. With every bite, you will feel how the flavors intertwine in a dance of the senses. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the sweet moment it offers!