Sandesh Panna Cotta Recipe: A Fusion Dessert with Rich Flavors
Sandesh Panna Cotta is a unique and delicious fusion dessert that brings together the creamy richness of panna cotta with the beloved flavors of Sandesh, a traditional Bengali sweet made from fresh paneer (cottage cheese). This delicate dessert features the melt-in-your-mouth texture of panna cotta, infused with the aromatic richness of saffron, and is topped with crunchy pistachios. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent treat, Sandesh Panna Cotta is an elegant dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1/3 cup |
| Milk Powder | 1/4 cup |
| Caster Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Full Fat Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Saffron Strands | 2 pinches |
| Unflavored Gelatin | 2 teaspoons |
| Pistachios (Chopped) | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the molds
- Begin by greasing your silicon molds or small bowls with flavorless oil to ensure the panna cotta can be easily removed later. Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the paneer mixture
- In a mixing bowl, add the fresh homemade paneer, milk powder, and caster sugar. Use a whisk or spoon to mix thoroughly until the ingredients blend together smoothly and the mixture is homogeneous.
Step 3: Heat the cream and milk
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, full-fat milk, and saffron strands. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Once simmering, turn off the heat.
Step 4: Add the gelatin
- Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cream and milk mixture while it’s still warm. Stir the mixture well to ensure the gelatin dissolves completely. Allow it to cool slightly.
Step 5: Combine the mixtures
- Once the cream-gelatin mixture has cooled a little, pass it through a fine sieve to remove any saffron strands or gelatin clumps. Slowly add this sieved liquid into the paneer mixture, stirring continuously until everything combines and the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.
Step 6: Set the panna cotta
- Pour the combined panna cotta mixture into the prepared silicon molds. Refrigerate for at least two hours or longer until the panna cotta has fully set and is firm to the touch.
Step 7: Unmold and garnish
- Once the panna cotta has set, carefully unmold each serving by gently pressing the bottom of the silicon molds. Place the panna cotta on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped pistachios or any nuts of your choice to add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
- Your Sandesh Panna Cotta is now ready to be served. This dessert can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other delightful treats, such as Baked Multigrain Mathri (Crackers) with Italian Flavors for a perfect contrast of textures and flavors.
Tips and Variations
- Flavors: You can experiment with other spices like cardamom or rose water to give your Sandesh Panna Cotta a different flavor profile.
- Gelatin substitute: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, agar-agar can be used instead of gelatin. Just be sure to follow the correct substitution ratio, as agar-agar sets differently from gelatin.
- Nuts: In addition to pistachios, you can top the panna cotta with almonds, cashews, or even dried fruits like figs or apricots for added texture and sweetness.
- Serving suggestion: This dessert is beautifully complemented by a delicate fruit compote or a drizzle of honey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sandesh Panna Cotta is the perfect marriage of traditional and modern flavors. The creaminess of the panna cotta is balanced by the rich, slightly tangy flavor of the fresh paneer, while the saffron adds an exotic touch. It’s a showstopper dessert that brings together the best of both worlds, offering something truly special for your guests or for yourself to enjoy as a luxurious treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~14g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugars | ~12g |
Try this Sandesh Panna Cotta at your next dinner party or as an everyday indulgence. It’s the perfect way to combine the best of Indian and Western desserts in one delightful dish. The smooth, creamy texture and the aromatic saffron, paired with the crunch of pistachios, will leave you and your guests craving more.
