Panna Cotta, commonly known as “cooked cream”, is a sophisticated Italian dessert that consists of heavy cream, sugar, and flavoring, often Set with gelatin and served chilled. While gelatin is traditionally used to set Panna Cotta, this recipe removes the need for animal-derived products. Instead, we'll use agar agar, a plant-based thickening agent.
To make this plant-based Panna Cotta, you'll need:
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons of honey or sugar
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of agar-agar powder, which sets the Panna Cotta without the need for gelatin
- Fresh berries or fruit compote for serving
- Option: ½ cup of whole milk
- Option: Lemon juice
Instructions for the agar-agar Panna Cotta:
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Start by mixing the agar agar powder with milk to hydrate it. Let stand for 5-10 minutes.
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In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream with honey (or sugar) over low heat, making sure not to boil and activate the gelling properties of the agar agar.
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Add the milk and agar agar power to the saucepan and bring to a boil for a short period. After boiling, simmer for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning on the bottom.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract.
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Pour the creamy mixture into ramekins or glasses and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until the Panna Cotta is fully set.
Serve your Panna Cotta with fresh berries, fruit compote or sauces, and enjoy!
Note: The Panna Cotta made with agar agar sets in approximately 4-6 hours, so be sure to plan ahead.
What to serve with this plant-based Panna Cotta:
Panna Cotta serves as a versatile dessert, complementing a variety of dishes:
Starters:
• Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Grilled tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
• Affettati Misti: A selection of Italian cured meats.
• Risotto al Limone: A light lemon risotto.
• Pasta allaPuttanesca: An Italian pasta dish.
Primo (First Course):
• Risotto al Limone.
Secondi (Second Course):
• Pesce alla Griglia: Grilled codfish or sea bass.
• Lasagna: A creamy lasagna.
Digestivo:
• Limoncello: A traditional lemon liqueur.
Wine Options:
• Moscato d'Asti: A sparkling, sweet white wine.
• Brachetto d'Acqui: A sweet, sparkling red wine.
• Passito: A sweet wine made from dried grapes.
• Vin Santo: A rich Tuscan dessert wine.
Create a delightful dessert that combines the elegance of Italian cuisine with the ease of preparing a plant-based Panna Cotta. Remove the need for animal-derived gelatin with this simple, quick recipe, perfect for any occasion.
