Trio of Panna Cotta with Strawberries, Blueberries, and Mango
Category: Desserts
Serves: 10
This delicious trio of panna cotta combines the creamy richness of classic Italian panna cotta with the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit. Strawberry, blueberry, and mango layers create a refreshing and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The balanced sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the smooth, velvety custard, making this dessert a true showstopper. Here’s how to create this refreshing treat!
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh liquid cream | 500g |
| Sugar | 200g |
| Gelatin sheets | 6g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
For the Fruit Sauces:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | 200g |
| Blueberries | 200g |
| Mango | 1 |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Lemons (for juice) | 15g |
| Agar-agar | 2g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Panna Cotta Base
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Soak the Gelatin: Begin by placing the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water and leave them to soak for 10 minutes.
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Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, pour the fresh cream. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds with a knife, and add both the seeds and the whole bean pod to the cream. Stir in the sugar, then heat the mixture over low heat, making sure to heat it through without bringing it to a boil.
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Dissolve the Gelatin: Once the cream is warmed, remove the vanilla pod. Squeeze the water out of the soaked gelatin and stir it into the warm cream mixture. Whisk until the gelatin fully dissolves.
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Set the First Layer: Turn off the heat and carefully pour about 3 cm of the panna cotta mixture into small cups or glasses, using a funnel (or a spoon if necessary). Let the panna cotta chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours until it begins to set.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Sauces
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Prepare the Fruit: Rinse the strawberries, blueberries, and mango thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Make the Blueberry Sauce: Place the blueberries into a blender and purée them until smooth. Set the mixture aside.
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Make the Mango Sauce: Peel the mango, remove the pit, and cut it into cubes. Blend the mango with 5g of lemon juice until smooth.
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Make the Strawberry Sauce: Remove the stems from the strawberries, then purée them in a blender with the sugar and the remaining lemon juice. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Panna Cotta
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Add the Second Layer: After 2 hours, remove the panna cotta cups from the fridge. Pour the fruit sauces over the first layer of panna cotta. Begin with the blueberry sauce, followed by the mango, and finally the strawberry sauce, each forming about 3 cm layers.
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Top with More Panna Cotta: Once the fruit layer is complete, pour the remaining panna cotta mixture over the top. If the panna cotta mixture has thickened too much, warm it slightly over low heat to make it pourable.
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Chill Again: Return the panna cotta cups to the refrigerator for another 2 hours to allow the final layer to set.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the panna cotta has fully set, remove it from the refrigerator. Before serving, you can garnish with fresh fruit, such as whole strawberries, blueberries, and mango chunks, for an added touch of freshness and color.
Additional Tips:
- Gelatin Substitution: If you prefer to use agar-agar instead of gelatin, dissolve it in a bit of water before adding it to the cream. Follow the instructions on the agar-agar package for the proper conversion ratio.
- Fridge Time: Ensure the panna cotta has enough time to set in the fridge, as this step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Presentation: These panna cotta can be served in individual cups, glasses, or even mini jars for a charming, rustic touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Sugars: ~28g
- Fiber: ~1g
This vibrant trio of panna cotta with fruit sauces is a light and indulgent treat that can be served at any gathering or celebration. The contrast between the creamy panna cotta and the bright, tangy fruit layers makes for a delightful dessert experience. Enjoy it as a refreshing end to a meal or as a sweet afternoon snack!
