Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis
Classic Italian Delight for Your Holiday Feast
The Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis is a timeless Italian dessert that will charm your guests with its creamy texture and delightful flavor. This classic treat features a smooth and velvety vanilla custard, complemented by a tangy and sweet strawberry coulis. It’s a perfect ending to any holiday dinner party. While the recipe calls for strawberries, feel free to get creative with your choice of fruit, making it adaptable for any season or occasion. The combination of rich vanilla and fruity freshness is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Vanilla Panna Cotta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cream (full fat) | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Caster sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Gelatin | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 5-6 teaspoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Ingredients for Strawberry Coulis
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strawberries (chopped) | 350 grams |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
2 hours
Total Time
2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 3-4g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
| Sugars | 30-35g |
| Fat | 15-18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9-12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 35-50mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vanilla Panna Cotta Mixture:
Start by placing the fresh cream, milk, and caster sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat. -
Infuse with Vanilla:
Stir in the vanilla extract to the cream mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated. Set the saucepan aside to cool slightly while you prepare the gelatin. -
Dissolve the Gelatin:
In a small bowl, add the gelatin to the water. Stir it gently to ensure it is evenly distributed. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water and dissolve completely. Once dissolved, add this gelatin mixture to the warm cream and milk mixture. Stir gently to combine. -
Pour and Set:
Pour the prepared panna cotta mixture into small ramekins, panna cotta molds, or silicone molds of your choice. Let the molds cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours, or until set. The panna cotta should be firm and smooth, with a silky texture. -
Make the Strawberry Coulis:
While the panna cotta is chilling, prepare the strawberry coulis. Place the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The strawberries should soften and release their juices. Once the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy, remove it from the heat. -
Blend the Coulis:
Let the strawberry mixture cool for a few minutes, then blend it until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. If you prefer a smoother coulis, strain it to remove any seeds. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the panna cotta is set, remove it from the refrigerator. To serve, run a knife around the edge of the molds to loosen the panna cotta, then gently invert onto serving plates. Drizzle with the fresh strawberry coulis just before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Fruit Variations: While this recipe uses strawberries, feel free to experiment with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes for the coulis.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: The panna cotta can be made up to 2 days ahead, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings and dinner parties.
- Vegan Option: To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk, and use agar-agar as a gelatin substitute.
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis is a dessert that embodies the spirit of Italian hospitality—simple yet sophisticated, indulgent yet refreshing. It’s a sweet, creamy finish to any meal, and a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.
