Description
This elegant and creamy Panna Cotta recipe features a silky vanilla-infused base made with heavy cream and gelatine, paired with a fragrant rose water raspberry sauce. The dessert is chilled until set and served with fresh lychees, raspberries, mint, and delicate rose petals, making it a perfect refined treat for special occasions or a sophisticated finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For Panna Cotta:
- 600ml heavy or thickened cream
- 75g caster or superfine sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons gelatine powder (one envelope Knox gelatine)
For Sauce:
- 125g raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup lychee juice (from a tin)
- 60g caster or superfine sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons rose water (to taste)
To Serve:
- Lychees
- Raspberries
- Mint
- Rose petals
Instructions
- Make Panna Cotta Base: Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. This gentle heating helps to infuse the cream without curdling it.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the caster sugar and vanilla bean paste into the hot cream. Cover the mixture and allow it to steep for 30 minutes so the flavors fully meld.
- Prepare Gelatine: Sprinkle the gelatine powder over the tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl to let it bloom. If the gelatine looks dry, add a few extra drops of water. Microwave on high for 20 seconds until the gelatine liquefies, then stir until the granules completely dissolve.
- Combine Mixtures: Reheat the cream mixture until warm again, then add the dissolved gelatine mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the gelatine is evenly incorporated, which will help the panna cotta set smoothly.
- Chill: Pour the panna cotta mixture into prepared cups or molds. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, though overnight chilling is preferred for best texture and firmness.
- Make Raspberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen raspberries, lychee juice, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the raspberries break down and become mushy, creating a flavorful sauce.
- Add Rose Flavor and Strain: Stir in rose water to taste, then blend the sauce in a food processor to smooth it out. Strain the pureed mixture to remove raspberry seeds for a silky finish.
- Unmold Panna Cotta: To serve, run a sharp knife around the edge of each panna cotta. Dip the bottom of the cup in hot water for about 10 seconds to loosen, then invert onto serving plates carefully.
- Serve: Plate the panna cotta with a spoonful of the raspberry rose sauce. Garnish with fresh lychees, raspberries, mint leaves, and rose petals for a visually stunning and fragrant dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cream does not boil to avoid separating or curdling.
- Gelatine must be properly dissolved and incorporated for a smooth set.
- Rose water can easily overpower the sauce; add gradually and taste.
- Chilling overnight produces the best texture and ease of unmolding.
- Use fresh ingredients for garnishes to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian