Burnt Orange Panna Cotta Recipe
A Refreshing Italian Dessert with a Citrusy Twist
Description
The Burnt Orange Panna Cotta is an Italian classic dessert that offers a smooth, velvety texture with the perfect wobble. Made with fresh cream and milk, itβs delicately infused with burnt orange flavor that gives this dessert a unique tangy sweetness. This chilled delight is a showstopper, perfect for a dinner party. With the tangy hint of orange and the richness of cream, it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness, making it a fabulous make-ahead dessert. Just refrigerate overnight for the best results, and youβll be amazed at the impressive presentation and the delightful flavor.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Cream | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Gelatin | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Oranges | 4 |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | Rind of 1 orange |
Instructions
Preparing the Burnt Orange Syrup and Orange Chips
-
Make the Orange Chips:
- Preheat your oven to 100Β°C (212Β°F).
- Slice one of the oranges into 5mm thick slices.
- Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet and sprinkle a light dusting of sugar on top.
- Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 hours, or until the slices are crisp and golden brown. Once done, remove and set them aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Burnt Orange Syrup:
- Squeeze the juice from the remaining oranges.
- Pour the juice into a saucepan over high heat and bring it to a boil.
- As the juice starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and allow the juice to slowly caramelize. Keep an eye on it, as the juice should begin to smell faintly burnt as it reduces.
- Continue cooking until the juice is reduced by half, concentrating the flavor. Once reduced, remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
Making the Panna Cotta Mixture
-
Combine Milk, Cream, and Caramelized Orange Juice:
- Once the burnt orange syrup has cooled, add the milk and fresh cream to the saucepan. Place the saucepan back on medium heat.
- Gently heat the mixture without allowing it to come to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
-
Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of room-temperature water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom (absorb the water and soften).
-
Finish the Panna Cotta Base:
- Once the milk and cream mixture is warmed (but not boiling), add the sugar and orange zest. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the bloomed gelatin to the mixture, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a jug or large bowl to remove any pieces of orange zest and leftover gelatin lumps, leaving a smooth, silky custard.
Setting the Panna Cotta
- Pour and Chill:
- Divide the smooth panna cotta mixture evenly between your serving glasses.
- Let the glasses sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, allowing the panna cotta to settle.
- Afterward, transfer the glasses to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once your panna cotta has set, slice the baked orange chips into strips.
- Use the orange chips to decorate the edges of the panna cotta glasses for a stunning presentation.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the light, refreshing flavor of this delightful dessert!
This Burnt Orange Panna Cotta is the perfect finish to any special meal, offering a sophisticated blend of creaminess with a subtle burnt citrus flavor. Itβs sure to impress your guests, leaving them with a memorable dining experience. Prepare this dessert the night before your dinner party for a flawless and easy-to-make treat thatβs as beautiful as it is delicious.
