Panna Cotta with Raspberry

Raspberry Panna Cotta - A Summer Flavored Delight

Panna Cotta, a classic Italian dessert, translates to "cooked cream" and is a delicacy that combines simplicity with refinement. With a velvety texture and sweet taste, this raspberry panna cotta recipe will turn any meal into a special occasion. Whether you serve it at a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, this quick and elegant dessert is sure to impress!

Additionally, the raspberries add a note of freshness and acidity, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the cream. So, let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:

- 500 g liquid cream
- 300 ml milk
- 80 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 10 g gelatin (sheets)
- 150 g fresh raspberries (you can also use frozen raspberries, but make sure they are well drained)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the gelatin: Start by soaking the gelatin in 100 ml cold water. It’s important to pay attention to this step, as the gelatin needs to be fully hydrated to fulfill its thickening role. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Heating the cream and milk: In a medium-sized pot, add the liquid cream, milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. When the mixture starts to boil (you'll see small bubbles at the edges), remove it from the heat.

3. Incorporating the gelatin: Squeeze the soaked gelatin well to remove excess water, then add it to the warm cream and milk mixture. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. If you opted for vanilla sugar, now is the time to add it.

4. Preparing the raspberries: In a blender or with an immersion mixer, place the raspberries and blend until you achieve a smooth puree. If you prefer a more uniform texture, you can strain the puree through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. This step will add a refined touch to your dessert.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add the raspberry puree to the cream mixture, gently stirring to combine the colors. It’s important not to overmix, so you maintain a marbled effect if desired.

6. Cooling and pouring into molds: Let the mixture cool for 20-30 minutes, then pour it into molds or individual glasses. You can use silicone molds for a playful look or glass cups for an elegant effect.

7. Final cooling: Cover the molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the panna cotta to set perfectly.

8. Serving: When you are ready to serve this dreamy dessert, you can decorate it with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, or a raspberry and chocolate sauce. These garnishes not only add aesthetic appeal but also enhance the flavor.

Helpful tips:

- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners.
- Experiment with other fruits! Panna Cotta pairs perfectly with mango puree, strawberries, or even a caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start, to achieve a uniform emulsion.

Nutritional benefits:
Raspberry panna cotta is a good source of calcium and protein from cream and milk. Raspberries bring antioxidants and essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use powdered gelatin instead of sheets?
Yes, you can substitute sheet gelatin with powdered gelatin. Use about 3 g of powdered gelatin for each sheet of gelatin.

2. How can I make vegan panna cotta?
You can replace the cream and milk with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut cream and almond milk, and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.

3. What drinks pair well with panna cotta?
A sweet wine or a raspberry-based cocktail would perfectly complement this dessert. Additionally, a flavored fruit tea can be an excellent choice.

In conclusion, raspberry panna cotta is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that can be customized to your taste. Whether you choose to make it for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, this dessert will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress!