Delightful Vanilla Panna Cotta

This traditional panna cotta is a creamy and smooth dessert that offers a delicate balance of vanilla with a fruity twist from fresh strawberries. Crafted with simply a few ingredients, this dessert is both elegant and easy to prepare. It involves gently simmering cream with vanilla and sugar to infuse rich flavors, and then setting it with gelatin to achieve a luscious texture. The strawberry sauce adds a vibrant color and tangy sweetness that complements the creamy base. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to finish a meal, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Whether served at a cozy dinner at home or at a welcoming gathering, each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy goodness. With its simple preparation, panna cotta allows beginner and experienced chefs alike to create a restaurant-quality dessert at home. Thanks to its make-ahead nature, you can focus on enjoying your time with guests as they indulge in this delightful creation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 vanilla bean
• 300 ml heavy cream
• 50 g sugar
• 2 tsp gelatin
• A small amount of butter to grease molds

Sauce

• 250 g fresh strawberries
• 2 tbsp sugar

Preparation Time

• Total time: 340 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Carefully slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
2. In a small saucepan, pour in the heavy cream. Add the vanilla seeds and bean, followed by the sugar.
3. Place the saucepan over low heat and gently simmer the cream mixture for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves.
4. After 10 minutes, take the mixture off the heat and set it aside.
5. Soak the gelatin in cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes.
6. Once the gelatin has softened, remove the vanilla bean from the cream mixture.
7. Add the bloomed gelatin into the cream and stir until the gelatin completely dissolves.
8. Lightly grease small 150 ml molds with a very thin layer of butter. This will help the panna cotta release easily later.
9. Pour the cream mixture evenly into the prepared molds.
10. Allow the panna cotta to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for about 6 hours, or until fully set.
11. While the panna cotta sets, prepare the strawberry sauce.
12. Clean the strawberries and blend them with sugar until smooth.
13. Pass the blended strawberries through a sieve to remove seeds, creating a smooth sauce. Set aside.
14. Once the panna cotta is set, gently run a knife around the edge of each mold to loosen the dessert.
15. Carefully invert each panna cotta onto serving plates.
16. Drizzle the strawberry sauce around the base of the panna cotta for a beautiful presentation.
17. Serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the velvety texture combined with the fresh strawberry sauce.
18. For added elegance, garnish with a sprig of mint or a few whole strawberries on the side.
19. Refrigerate any leftover sauce if made in advance to allow flavors to meld further.
20. Enjoy this delightful dessert at the end of your meal or during afternoon gatherings.

Tips

• For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based gelatin substitute.
• If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones, just let them thaw fully.
• Ensure the molds are lightly buttered to assist with easy release when serving.
• To create a firmer panna cotta, slightly increase the amount of gelatin used.

Nutritions

• Calories: 200 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 2 g
• Fats: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar content or use a sugar alternative like stevia.
• Add a splash of liqueur like Amaretto or Grand Marnier for a more sophisticated flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Complement this dessert with a crisp white wine or a tangy fruit sorbet.
• Pair with roasted nuts or biscotti for added texture.

Best Places

• La Panna Cotta - Elegant Italian dining featuring traditional panna cotta. Location: 10 Via della Sughera, Rome, Italy.
• Sweet Symphony - Delightful café with a variety of panna cotta flavors. Location: 78 Rue Saint-Denis, Paris, France.
• Creamy Dreams - Specializing in homemade panna cotta. Location: 5 Princes St, London, United Kingdom.
• Dolce Vita - Renowned café offering classic desserts. Location: 14 Spencer St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Vanilla & Berries - Beautiful café with berry specialties. Location: 22 W 23rd St, New York, USA.
• Pannacotta Palace - Luxurious dessert house. Location: 3D Willoughby, Sydney, Australia.
• The Dessert Atelier - Known for innovative spins on traditional desserts. Location: 15 Amoy St, Singapore.
• Heavenly Delights - Offering panna cotta in various fruity sauces. Location: 18 Pushkin St, Moscow, Russia.
• Sweet Escape - Cozy spot with homemade sweets. Location: 45 Canal St, Shanghai, China.
• Berry Bliss - Famous for berry-infused desserts. Location: 30 Queen St W, Toronto, Canada.

Enjoy the process of creating this exquisite dessert and relish every spoonful of creamy bliss!