Panna cotta is a spoon dessert from the Italian culinary tradition, specifically Piedmontese, dating back to the early 1900s. Its preparation requires few basic ingredients, such as cream, vanilla, sugar, and gelatin, yet the final result will be super spectacular and a sure success! That’s why it’s a sophisticated dessert suitable for any occasion; I made it to celebrate Mother’s Day but if you want, you can make it for all your special occasions! Given its versatility in garnishing, there are many versions: chocolate, coffee, ginger, and caramel! Depending on the variations, panna cotta can be served alongside seasonal fruits or even served with some strawberry or raspberry coulis. It is also particularly appreciated in single portions in finger food glasses suitable for banquets or buffets. In short, you just have to be tempted by this dessert with a thousand facets to discover which one is your favorite!
If you love spoon desserts, also try these recipes:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 4 Hours
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons, Mother's Day
Ingredients
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- 1 cup cup fresh liquid cream
- 1/4 cup cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.18 oz oz gelatin (sheet gelatin)
- 2 strawberries
- as needed strawberry topping
- as needed chopped pistachios
Tools
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Small pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 2 Molds
Steps
To prepare the panna cotta, first soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 10‘ to hydrate and soften them.
In the meantime, pour the fresh liquid cream into a small pot and add the sugar.
Flavor with the vanilla extract and turn on the heat.
Heat everything over low heat and when the cream almost boils, turn off and also immerse the squeezed gelatin with your hands. Stir until the gelatin is completely melted; there should be no lumps.
At this point, fill 2 molds (I used a glass with a capacity of 150 ml and a mold of Ø 4 inches*), using a ladle. Once the molds are filled, put the panna cotta in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours.
Once the panna cotta has set, dip the molds briefly in boiling water, then unmold them onto the serving plate and garnish with wild strawberry topping, fresh strawberries cut in half, and chopped pistachios to taste.
And voilà…the panna cotta is ready to be enjoyed!
Bon Appetit from La Cucina di FeFè!
Storage
👉Panna cotta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, well-covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Tips, Notes, Variations, and Suggestions
🟣* You can serve panna cotta in two ways: either by turning it over onto a serving plate (photo 7) or presenting it directly in a glass (photo 14), thus avoiding the difficulty of extracting it from its mold and the risk of compromising the final result.
🟣As already mentioned, panna cotta is a really easy dessert to prepare, but there is one step to pay attention to: when unmolding the panna cotta! The right procedure is to use the blade of a knife, sharp and dipped in boiling water, along the edges of the mold. Also remember to dip the mold in boiling water for a second before turning it over onto a plate. It is important that the gelatin does not spill out from the edges of the mold, as this would make plating difficult.
🟣To flavor the panna cotta, it is possible to use also the seeds of the vanilla pod, and in this case, it is necessary to cut it lengthwise and extract them with the tip of a knife, or if you prefer a more citrusy note, you can also use lemon or untreated orange zest.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can I substitute gelatin?
To thicken panna cotta, gelatin, an animal-derived thickener, is usually used, but for those who are vegan, it is possible to replace this ingredient with agar-agar, which is plant-based and naturally gluten-free.
