Vegan panna cotta with strawberry sauce

Vegan Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce - A Lenten Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert, but our vegan version with fresh strawberry sauce will win your heart. It is a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions or to indulge yourself on ordinary days. This recipe is dairy-free and vegan-friendly, and it is also very easy to prepare. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the panna cotta:
- 350 ml soy milk
- 100 ml coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons agar-agar flakes
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount to your preference)
- 1/2 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

For the strawberry sauce:
- 15 fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 50 ml water (for puree)
- 50 ml water (for arrowroot)
- 1 heaping tablespoon arrowroot (a natural thickening agent)

Preparing the Panna Cotta

1. Preparing the panna cotta base:
In a saucepan, pour in the soy milk and add the agar-agar flakes. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches boiling point, turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 30-40 minutes. This will allow the agar-agar to hydrate and soften.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
After the resting time, turn the heat back on to low. Use a whisk to mix the contents in the saucepan vigorously. Add the coconut milk, sugar, and seeds extracted from the vanilla bean. Continue to stir until you achieve a smooth mixture.

3. Boiling the mixture:
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sugar to dissolve completely and enrich the flavor of the dessert.

Preparing the Strawberry Sauce

1. Making the strawberry puree:
Wash the strawberries well, remove their stems, and put them in a blender. Add 50 ml of water and pulse 2-3 times until the strawberries become a smooth puree.

2. Boiling the sauce:
Transfer the strawberry puree to a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Thickening the sauce:
In a glass, dissolve one tablespoon of arrowroot in 50 ml of cold water. After the 10 minutes of boiling, add the arrowroot mixture to the strawberry sauce, stirring quickly with a spoon to ensure even incorporation. Let the sauce boil for another 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool.

Finalizing the Panna Cotta

1. Checking the agar-agar:
After 10 minutes of boiling, check if the agar-agar flakes have completely melted. You can take a spoonful of the mixture to check the consistency. If everything is fine, turn off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

2. Pouring into molds:
Place the molds on a tray. I recommend using silicone molds, as they release easily once the panna cotta has set. Pour the mixture into the molds and let them cool at room temperature.

3. Chilling in the refrigerator:
Once the molds have cooled sufficiently, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. The panna cotta should be firm and ready to serve. You can check the consistency earlier, and if it is already set, do not hesitate to remove them.

Serving

When the panna cotta is ready, take the molds out of the refrigerator and place them on plates. Pour the strawberry sauce on top, and if you wish, you can add some fresh strawberries or mint leaves for an elegant touch. This vegan dessert not only looks good but also delights the taste buds with its combination of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Agar-Agar: This is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed, ideal for vegan desserts. Make sure to let it hydrate sufficiently for the best results.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds a rich creaminess and distinct flavor. You can experiment with other types of plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), but the result may vary.
- Sugar: You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave, depending on your preferences.
- Fruit Sauce: You can also try other fruit sauces, such as mango or peach sauce, to diversify the dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

Vegan panna cotta is a healthier choice, as it contains no dairy products and is easier to digest. Soy milk is rich in protein, and strawberries provide essential antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, agar-agar has detoxifying properties and helps maintain digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of thickeners instead of agar-agar?
Yes, you can use vegan gelatin, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve a similar consistency.

2. What other sauces can I use?
Chocolate, caramel, or other fresh fruit sauces are excellent options for customizing the dessert.

3. Is vegan panna cotta suitable for children?
Absolutely! It’s a healthy and delicious dessert that kids will love.

I conclude this recipe with a personal tip: don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients! Each variation can bring a unique and surprising note to your dessert. Enjoy every bite and savor the cooking process!