Mango and Cottage Cheese Panna Cotta

This refreshing Mango and Cottage Cheese Panna Cotta offers a delightful blend of fruity and creamy flavors, perfect for any occasion. The recipe combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the rich texture of cottage cheese, making it both light and satisfying. The dish is set using agar, a plant-based thickening agent, providing a vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional gelatin. Easy to prepare, this panna cotta can be made in advance and decorated with fresh berries and a sprinkle of muesli. It's a versatile dessert that can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a special treat, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, it's like a little slice of paradise on your plate. Enjoy the balance of sweetness and creaminess, accented with a hint of crunch.

Ingredients

Mango Layer

• 150 g frozen mango
• 100 ml water
• 5 g agar

Cottage Cheese Layer

• 100 g frozen mango-banana mix
• 180 g cottage cheese (3 packets, 0.5% fat content)
• 12 g agar

Additional

• Muesli for sprinkling
• Fresh berries for garnish

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mango Layer: Begin by defrosting the mango until it is soft enough to mash into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor.
2. Cook the Agar: Heat 100 ml of water in a saucepan and stir in 5 g of agar. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 2 minutes to activate the agar.
3. Mix Mango and Agar: Add the mango puree to the agar mixture and continue to stir until well combined.
4. Fill the Molds: Pour the mango mixture into serving cups, filling them about one-third of the way. Allow them to set at room temperature; no refrigeration is needed since agar sets at room temperature.
5. Prepare Cottage Cheese Layer: Defrost the mango-banana mix and puree it using a blender.
6. Cook Agar for Cheese Layer: Combine 12 g of agar with the puree in a saucepan, cooking until it thickens.
7. Blend Cottage Cheese: Process the cottage cheese until creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
8. Combine Cheese and Fruit: Fold the mango-banana mixture into the cottage cheese until evenly mixed.
9. Layer over Mango: Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the set mango layer in the serving cups.
10. Allow to Set: Let the panna cotta set for about 20 minutes, allowing it to firm up.
11. Decorate: Once set, sprinkle with muesli and add fresh berries for decoration and extra flavor.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the panna cotta as an elegant dessert, enjoying the blend of textures and flavors.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use any of your favorite fruits instead of mango for a personalized flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare these a day in advance to save time and let the flavors meld together.
• Customization: Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar or honey to taste, especially if your fruit is not very sweet.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 180
• Protein: 7 g
• Fats: 3 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Vegan Version: Swap cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or tofu blend for a vegan alternative.
• Flavor Twist: Add a splash of lime juice to the mango layer for extra zing.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your panna cotta with a fruity sorbet or a glass of sparkling wine for a complete dessert course.
• Serve alongside a selection of tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple for a tropical touch.

Best Places

• **Mango Tree Bistro - Specializes in tropical fruit desserts and unique panna cottas. Location: 123 Orchard Lane, San Francisco, USA.
• Sweet Haven - Offers a variety of customized desserts including fruit-infused panna cotta. Location: 456 Dessert Blvd, New York City, USA.
• Tropicoco Café - Known for their fresh twists on classic desserts using tropical ingredients. Location: 789 Beach Drive, Miami, USA.
• Panna Delight - Serves a wide selection of gourmet panna cottas with a creative flair. Location: 101 Indulge Way, Rome, Italy.
• Sunny Café - Focuses on using local fruits in their dessert menu, with mango being a top choice. Location: 111 Sunshine St., Brisbane, Australia.
• Tropical Oasis - Offers an exotic ambiance with a menu full of fruit-based delicacies. Location: 303 Tropical Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
• Fruit Finesse - A sophisticated venue with a notable selection of panna cottas. Location: 505 Fruit St., Paris, France.
• Mango Bliss - Famous for mango-themed treats and delightful dessert options. Location: 77 Bliss Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Island Sweets - Offers island-inspired sweets including refreshing panna cotta. Location: 888 Island Circle, Bali, Indonesia.
• Luscious Layers - Renowned for their layered desserts and panna cotta varieties. Location: 222 Confectionery Lane, Dubai, UAE.