Nolen Gur Panna Cotta Recipe (Fresh Dates Jaggery Panna Cotta)
Introduction
Nolen Gur Panna Cotta is an elegant fusion dessert that melds the delicate flavors of traditional Italian panna cotta with the deep, rich sweetness of Nolen Gur—a unique and fragrant date palm jaggery originating from Bengal, India. The dessert is made creamy with full-fat milk and double cream, enhanced with the mild, toasty caramel notes of Nolen Gur. Light yet indulgent, this panna cotta is sure to please as a memorable treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full-Cream Milk | 1 1/2 + 1/2 cups |
| Double Cream | 4 cups |
| Gelatin | 2 teaspoons |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Nolen Gur (fresh date jaggery) | 3/4 cup |
| Nolen Gur Syrup | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Silver Balls (optional) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh Fruits (optional) | As needed for garnishing |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Sugars | 23 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 mins |
| Cooking Time | 260 mins (4 hrs, 20 mins) |
| Total Time | 280 mins (4 hrs, 40 mins) |
Instructions
To create a flawless and creamy Nolen Gur Panna Cotta, follow these detailed instructions carefully:
-
Prepare the Nolen Gur
- If your Nolen Gur is hard and contains any impurities, start by melting it in a double boiler. This gentle melting method helps prevent burning and preserves its natural flavors.
- Once melted, pass the Nolen Gur through a fine sieve to remove any impurities. Set aside for later use.
-
Soften the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm milk with the gelatin. Stir well to mix, then set the mixture aside for about 10 minutes to let the gelatin soften and bloom fully.
-
Heat the Milk and Cream
- In a medium-sized saucepan or a kadai (Indian wok), pour in the double cream and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of full-cream milk.
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir occasionally. Heat the mixture just until it begins to simmer, but do not let it reach a full boil.
-
Add Flavorings
- Once the milk mixture is warm, add the prepared Nolen Gur and the vanilla extract. Stir continuously to allow the jaggery to dissolve completely and infuse its flavor into the creamy mixture.
- Continue cooking over a medium flame for a few more minutes, ensuring that everything is well-combined and smooth.
-
Incorporate the Gelatin
- Turn off the heat and slowly add the softened gelatin to the warm milk mixture. Stir continuously while adding to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved, creating a uniform mixture.
-
Pour into Molds
- Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into serving glasses or molds, depending on your presentation preference.
- Let the mixture cool down to room temperature before moving to the next step.
-
Chill and Set
- Transfer the glasses or molds to the refrigerator and allow them to chill for 3-4 hours or until set. The panna cotta should have a soft, jiggly consistency.
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Serving
- If serving directly from glasses, simply garnish with a drizzle of Nolen Gur syrup, a few silver balls, and fresh fruit (optional).
- If demolding, run a knife gently around the edge of each mold to loosen, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Tap gently to release the panna cotta onto the plate, maintaining its shape.
-
Final Touch
- Drizzle with additional Nolen Gur syrup and sprinkle silver balls for a festive, elegant touch. Fresh fruits like berries or sliced mangoes pair beautifully with the warm sweetness of Nolen Gur, adding color and a refreshing note to each serving.
Chef’s Tips
-
Blooming Gelatin: Blooming gelatin ensures that it dissolves smoothly in the panna cotta mixture, which is crucial for a uniform texture. Avoid skipping this step for the best results.
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Perfect Consistency: The panna cotta is ready when it achieves a slight wobble—soft, but firm enough to hold its shape. Check after 3 hours, and allow additional chilling time if needed.
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Custom Garnishes: Experiment with a variety of fruits like pomegranate seeds, passion fruit, or toasted nuts for added crunch. They’ll add contrasting flavors and enhance the visual appeal of the dessert.
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Serving Tip: For a truly stunning presentation, serve Nolen Gur Panna Cotta in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful creamy layers topped with vibrant garnishes.
This delightful fusion of Italian and Bengali flavors offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it a memorable dessert for any occasion. Serve chilled and savor the sweet symphony of Nolen Gur Panna Cotta!
