Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries

Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries Recipe - Italian Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries is a classic Italian dessert that combines the creamy richness of panna cotta with the sweet and tangy flavor of balsamic strawberries. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner party.

History

Panna Cotta, which means "cooked cream" in Italian, is believed to have originated in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries and has since become popular all over the world. The addition of balsamic strawberries adds a modern twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

0.5 packet (1 tsp) of unflavored gelatin powder
1.5 tbsp of cold water
1.5 cup of heavy cream, divided
1 cup of plain whole-milk yogurt
1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
0.5 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
0.33 cup + 1 tbsp of sugar
2 pt (946 ml) (4 cup) of sliced fresh strawberries
2.5 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp of sugar
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
freshly grated lemon zest, for serving

How to prepare

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1.5 tbsp of cold water.
Stir and set aside for 10 minutes to allow the gelatin to dissolve.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together 0.75 cup of cream, yogurt, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds.
Heat the remaining 0.75 cup of cream and 0.33 cup of sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Remove from heat, add the softened gelatin to the hot cream, and stir to dissolve.
Pour the hot cream-gelatin mixture into the cold cream-yogurt mixture and stir to combine.
Pour into 4 (6 to 8 oz (227 g)) ramekins or custard cups and refrigerate uncovered until cold.
When the panna cottas are thoroughly chilled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of sugar, and pepper 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
Set aside at room temperature.
To serve, run a small knife around each dessert in the ramekin and dip the bottom of each ramekin quickly in a bowl of hot tap water.
Invert each ramekin onto a dessert plate and surround the panna cotta with strawberries.
Dust lightly with freshly grated lemon zest and serve.

Variations

Try using different fruits like raspberries or peaches instead of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto to the panna cotta mixture for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fully dissolve the gelatin in cold water before adding it to the hot cream mixture to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the panna cotta overnight to allow it to set properly and develop its full flavor.

- When serving, dip the bottom of the ramekin in hot water to help release the panna cotta easily onto the plate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the panna cotta with balsamic strawberries as a light and refreshing dessert after a heavy meal. It pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of espresso.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to gently heat the cream mixture to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth texture.

- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or seeds from the strawberry mixture before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use agar agar powder as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.

- Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

The panna cotta can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

- The balsamic strawberries can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the panna cotta with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch. - Serve the dessert in decorative glass cups or bowls for a more sophisticated presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the panna cotta with a glass of Moscato d'Asti or a sweet Riesling for a perfect dessert pairing.

- Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover panna cotta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the ramekins in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes to soften the panna cotta before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 19g

Fats

- Total Fat: 28g

- Saturated Fat: 17g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 68mg

- Calcium: 153mg

- Iron: 1mg

Alergens

Contains dairy

Summary

Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in fat and calories but also provides some essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin C. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy texture and sweet-tangy flavor combination, this dish is a perfect ending to any meal. Enjoy this classic Italian treat with a modern twist!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a vintage cookbook at a local thrift store. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of this elegant dessert caught my eye. The creamy panna cotta topped with vibrant balsamic strawberries looked absolutely divine. I knew I had to try making it myself.

I purchased the cookbook and rushed home to gather the ingredients. The recipe seemed simple enough, calling for just a few basic ingredients – cream, sugar, gelatin, and vanilla for the panna cotta, and fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar for the topping. I had everything I needed in my pantry, except for the gelatin, which I picked up from the store.

With all the ingredients in hand, I set out to make the panna cotta. I heated the cream and sugar in a saucepan until it was just about to boil, then added the softened gelatin and vanilla extract. I stirred the mixture until the gelatin dissolved completely, then poured it into individual ramekins to set in the refrigerator.

While the panna cotta chilled, I prepared the balsamic strawberries. I washed and sliced the strawberries, then tossed them with a bit of sugar and balsamic vinegar. I let the strawberries macerate for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together.

After a few hours, I carefully unmolded the panna cotta onto dessert plates and spooned the balsamic strawberries over the top. The combination of the creamy panna cotta and the tangy strawberries was simply magical. I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe.

Over the years, I have made this Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a splash of Grand Marnier to the strawberries for a boozy kick, or garnish the dessert with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added crunch. No matter how I decided to serve it, this dessert never failed to impress.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about it. They couldn't believe that such a sophisticated dessert could be so easy to make. I have even served it at dinner parties, where it always steals the show.

As I reflect on the journey of discovering this recipe, I am reminded of all the other wonderful recipes I have collected over the years. Each one has a story behind it, whether it was passed down from a family member, discovered in a cookbook, or learned from a cooking class. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for all the delicious dishes I have had the pleasure of making.

But there is something special about the Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries recipe. It holds a special place in my heart, as it was the catalyst for my culinary adventures. It opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of cooking and inspired me to continue exploring new flavors and techniques.

So the next time you are looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests, I urge you to give this Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe this recipe will inspire you to embark on your own culinary journey, just like it did for me. Bon appétit!