Panna cotta with strawberry sauce

Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce: A Light and Refreshing Delight

If you're looking for a quick and elegant dessert, Panna Cotta with strawberry sauce is the perfect choice. This classic Italian recipe adds a touch of refinement to any meal, and the combination of textures and flavors will delight any sweet tooth. Although its origins are often debated, Panna Cotta has gained popularity due to its simplicity and versatility, being adaptable with various flavors and sauces.

In this guide, I will present the necessary steps to prepare a perfect Panna Cotta, accompanied by a fresh strawberry sauce. We will explore ingredients, preparation techniques, possible variations, and much more. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For Panna Cotta:
- 350 ml soy milk (preferably vanilla-flavored)
- 100 ml coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons agar-agar flakes
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean

For the strawberry sauce:
- 15 fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust based on the sweetness of the fruit)
- 50 ml water (for puree)
- 50 ml water (for arrowroot)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot (a natural thickening agent)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Panna Cotta

1. Preparing the agar-agar: In a saucepan, add 350 ml of soy milk and the agar-agar flakes. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn off the heat and let the agar-agar soak for 30-40 minutes. This step is essential to ensure that the agar-agar will dissolve completely.

2. Mixing the ingredients: After the agar-agar has soaked, turn the heat back on to medium-low. Use a whisk to vigorously mix the composition. Then add 100 ml of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Mix well until it becomes a homogeneous composition.

3. Boiling the mixture: Let the mixture boil for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It is important to check if the agar-agar flakes have completely melted. A simple way to check is to take a spoonful of the mixture; if you don’t see any granules, you’re on the right track.

4. Cooling and pouring: Turn off the heat and let the composition cool for 5 minutes. Place the silicone molds on a tray and carefully pour the mixture into them. Silicone molds are ideal as the Panna Cotta will easily release once cooled.

5. Cooling in the fridge: Leave the tray at room temperature until the composition cools sufficiently to be placed in the fridge. Leave the Panna Cotta in the fridge for about 2 hours, but you can check earlier; it should be well set.

Step 2: Preparing the Strawberry Sauce

1. Preparing the strawberries: Wash the strawberries well, remove the stems, and cut them in half. Place them in a blender along with 50 ml of water and pulse 2-3 times until you get a fine puree.

2. Boiling the sauce: Transfer the strawberry puree to a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it boil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

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

Step 3: Assembling and Serving

Once the Panna Cotta has set and the sauce has cooled, it’s time to assemble them. Carefully place the Panna Cotta on a platter or individual plates and pour the strawberry sauce over the top. You can decorate with a few fresh strawberries or mint leaves for an even more attractive appearance.

Suggestions and Variations

- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or lime juice instead of vanilla, or even orange essential oil for a citrus note.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of strawberry sauce, you can use dark chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or berry puree.
- Creative servings: Serve Panna Cotta in small jars for an elegant individual dessert, perfect for parties.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

This Panna Cotta recipe with strawberry sauce is not only delicious but also healthier compared to traditional versions, thanks to the use of soy milk and agar-agar, which is an excellent source of fiber and contains no empty calories. Each serving has approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use gelatin instead of agar-agar?
Yes, you can use gelatin, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve the desired consistency.

2. How can I store Panna Cotta?
Panna Cotta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent odor absorption.

3. Can I make Panna Cotta with almond or oat milk?
Sure! Almond or oat milk are excellent alternatives, but make sure to choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness.

Now you are ready to venture into making this delicious Panna Cotta recipe with strawberry sauce! Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and share this dessert with your loved ones. Bon appétit!