Discover the world of divine sweets by trying our enticing English Panna Cotta recipe. An English twist has been added to this traditional Italian dessert, creating a creamy, velvety pleasure that will have you demanding more. It is the ideal end to any meal or a lovely solitary indulgence with to its silky-smooth texture, subtle flavours, and elegant appearance.
Ingredients
To create this delectable English Panna Cotta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- Fresh berries or a fruit compote (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare this culinary masterpiece by following these steps:
1/ In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the mixture. Alternatively, add the vanilla extract.
2/ Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
3/ In a separate bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over 1/4 cup of cold water. Allow it to bloom for about 5 minutes until it becomes spongy.
4/ Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm cream mixture and whisk until fully dissolved.
How to Prepare Panna Cotta
Continue preparing your English Panna Cotta with the following steps:
1/ Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or pitcher. This step ensures a smooth texture by removing any lumps or vanilla bean residue.
2/ Pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins, filling them three-quarters of the way. You can use lightly greased molds for easy removal.
3/ Allow the Panna Cotta to cool to room temperature. Then, cover each glass or ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Preparation time
The preparation time for English Panna Cotta is approximately 20 minutes. However, keep in mind that it needs at least 4 hours of chilling time for the dessert to set properly.
Servings Panna Cotta Recipe
This recipe yields 4 servings of mouthwatering English Panna Cotta. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you wish to make more.
Craving a luxurious dessert? Look no further than this Elegant Vanilla Panna Cotta! It’s the perfect combination of silky, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!
Tips and Tricks to Help you Make a Perfect Panna Cotta
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dairy products, such as heavy cream and whole milk, for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Gelatin Handling: If you’re using gelatin sheets, soak them in cold water until they become soft, then squeeze out excess water before adding to the mixture. If using powdered gelatin, sprinkle it evenly over a small amount of cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes before heating it gently to dissolve.
Flavor Variations: Panna Cotta is versatile. Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts, citrus zest, or spices to the cream mixture. Common additions include vanilla, lemon, orange, or even a hint of espresso.
Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Heating the Cream: When heating the cream, be sure to do it gently over low to medium heat. Avoid bringing it to a boil. Scalded cream can develop an unpleasant flavor.
Stir Constantly: While heating the cream, stir it constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and forming a skin.
Cooling Time: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into serving dishes. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming on the surface.
Use Ramekins or Molds: For a professional presentation, use individual ramekins or molds. To unmold easily, dip the bottoms briefly in hot water before inverting onto a plate.
Chill Thoroughly: Panna Cotta needs adequate time to set. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it’s firm.
Serve with Fresh Fruit: Panna Cotta pairs beautifully with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of fruit sauce for a burst of color and flavor.
Texture Adjustments: To make a lighter version, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with milk or even yogurt. Keep in mind that this may affect the final texture.
Presentation: If you want to impress your guests, garnish the Panna Cotta with mint leaves, edible flowers, or a dusting of cocoa powder or grated chocolate.
Temperature: Serve Panna Cotta chilled. It’s best enjoyed when it’s cold and creamy.
Make Ahead: Panna Cotta is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day or two in advance to save time on the day you plan to serve it.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and flavors.
Enjoy Italian Deseart the Panna Cotta!
NUTRITION FACTS
Panna Cotta is a creamy Italian dessert made with sweetened cream, often flavored with vanilla, and set with gelatin. Here are approximate nutrition facts for a typical serving of Panna Cotta (about 1/2 cup or 120 ml):
Nutrition Facts for One Serving of Panna Cotta:
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
- Sodium: 30-40 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 10-15 grams
- Protein: 3-4 grams
Here are some factors to consider
Cream and Milk: Panna Cotta is made with a combination of heavy cream and milk. The type of cream used (heavy or light) and the ratio of cream to milk can impact the calorie and fat content.
Sweetener: Most Panna Cotta recipes use granulated sugar, which contributes to the sugar content. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Flavorings: Vanilla extract is a common flavoring, but other flavorings like citrus zest or coffee can be used, which may affect the nutritional values slightly.
Toppings: Panna Cotta is often served with fruit compote, caramel sauce, or a berry coulis. These toppings can add additional sugar and calories.
Portion Size: Be mindful of the serving size, as larger portions will have more calories and nutrients.
Panna Cotta is a rich and indulgent dessert, primarily due to its high cream content. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can experiment with using lower-fat milk, less cream, or alternative sweeteners. Additionally, serving it with fresh berries or a fruit puree can add natural sweetness and reduce the need for extra sugar.
