Burnt Orange Panna Cotta

Indulge in this Italian-inspired Burnt Orange Panna Cotta – a perfect dessert that balances creamy richness with a touch of caramelized citrus. The smooth, velvety panna cotta pairs beautifully with crispy oven-roasted orange chips, creating a stunning presentation and an unforgettable taste. Perfect for a special gathering, this dessert will be the showstopper on your table!

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Details

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven-Roasted Orange Chips

1. Slice the oranges: Cut one of the oranges into 5mm thick slices.
2. Arrange and sprinkle: Lay the orange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle a little sugar over them.
3. Bake: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 100°C (212°F) and bake for 2 hours or until the slices become crisp. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Burnt Orange Syrup

1. Juice the oranges: Squeeze the juice from the remaining oranges and pour it into a small saucepan.
2. Caramelize the juice: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the juice to a boil. Continue cooking at high heat, allowing the juice to caramelize. Stir occasionally, and be attentive as it develops a deep, caramel aroma.
3. Reduce and cool: Once the juice has reduced to half its original quantity, turn off the heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Panna Cotta Base

1. Combine milk, cream, and caramelized juice: When the burnt orange syrup has cooled, add the milk and cream into the same saucepan. Place over medium heat and gently warm the mixture, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil.
2. Bloom the gelatin: In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of room-temperature water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms.
3. Add sugar and zest: Stir the sugar and orange zest into the panna cotta mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, taking care not to let the mixture burn.

Step 4: Incorporate Gelatin and Strain the Mixture

1. Add the bloomed gelatin: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm panna cotta mixture. Continue stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely, ensuring the panna cotta mixture is smooth.
2. Strain: Pour the panna cotta mixture through a fine sieve into a jug or bowl to remove any residual gelatin particles or orange zest, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Step 5: Set and Chill the Panna Cotta

1. Pour into glasses: Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins.
2. Allow to settle: Let the glasses sit on the countertop for 15 minutes to allow any bubbles to settle.
3. Chill: Transfer the glasses to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until fully set.

Step 6: Serve with Orange Chips

1. Garnish: Just before serving, slit the oven-roasted orange chips and arrange them on the edge of each panna cotta glass for an elegant garnish.
2. Enjoy: Serve your Burnt Orange Panna Cotta chilled and enjoy this delightful blend of creamy, citrusy flavors with a hint of caramel.

Tips for the Perfect Panna Cotta

• Gelatin blooming: Ensure the gelatin fully blooms in water to avoid any lumps and to achieve a smooth panna cotta.
• Avoid boiling: When heating the milk and cream, keep the temperature moderate to prevent boiling, which could alter the texture.
• Serve with flair: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added elegance.

Culinary Note

This dessert is ideal for any season, offering both freshness and a subtle richness. Burnt Orange Panna Cotta is an easy way to impress guests with its complex flavors and sophisticated presentation!