Ingredients
Panna Cotta
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ whole vanilla bean (seeds extracted) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 cup strawberries (sliced and divided)
- 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: Place the whole milk in a small bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Allow it to soak and bloom for 5 minutes to activate the gelatin.
- Heat the Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, vanilla seeds along with the scraped vanilla bean pod, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes to infuse and blend flavors.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the milk and gelatin mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved, resulting in a smooth mixture.
- Strain the Mixture: Pass the cream mixture through a mesh strainer to remove any undissolved gelatin or residue, ensuring a silky smooth panna cotta base.
- Set the Panna Cotta: Pour the prepared mixture into individual serving glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the panna cotta to set firmly.
- Prepare the Strawberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine half of the sliced strawberries, 3 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a slow boil and simmer for 5 minutes to soften and release the fruit’s juices.
- Add Remaining Strawberries: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the remaining fresh strawberries to preserve their texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the strawberry sauce to cool completely, then spoon generously over the chilled panna cotta. Return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Blooming gelatin properly is essential for a smooth, creamy panna cotta texture without gelatin lumps.
- Using a fresh vanilla bean enhances flavor, but vanilla extract is a good substitute if unavailable.
- The strawberry sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin.
- Ensure panna cotta is fully chilled to achieve the perfect set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
