Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
583 | 32g | 19g | 66g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
50g | 2g | 7g | 0.3g |
Of all the recipes in my repository – and there are many – the one I find myself going back to with an endearing frequency is the Cloudberry Panna Cotta. The inspiration for this delightful dessert is drawn from the rare and exquisite cloudberries found in the Scandinavian region and the Canadian Arctic. Cloudberries, as exotic as their name suggests, are revered throughout the culinary world for their unique tart yet sweet and musky flavor profile.
The Epitome of Simple Elegance
This cloudberry version of Panna Cotta, an Italian dessert that subtlety celebrates the richness of cream with the delightful balance of gelatin, offers an elevated experience without any deliberate complexity. It’s akin to the joy of savoring the unadorned beauty of snow-covered rocky peaks under a clear cerulean sky. Perfect for a gourmet dessert at the end of a hearty mountain fare dinner, the Cloudberry Panna Cotta is just as welcoming to the palate on a warm summer afternoon.
A Symphony of Nutritious Goodness
One of the reasons I love this recipe is for its brilliant combination of indulgence and nutrition. The superstar ingredient, cloudberries, are a powerhouse of antioxidants and Vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. Additionally, the milk and cream provide a good source of protein and calcium, beneficial for bone health. Compared to other indulgent desserts, this one comes with a guilt-free pass, and that’s a total win in my book.
In addition to its standalone brilliance, the Cloudberry Panna Cotta pairs excellently with more bold flavors. Consider serving it alongside my favorite Northern Iqaluit’s Caribou Moss and Wild Game Roast. The tartness of the cloudberries in the dessert offers a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of the game, making for a dining experience that can be likened to a symphony with just the right notes!
The next time you’re in the mood to explore a dessert that dares to be different yet remains comfortingly familiar, try treating yourself and your loved ones to this delightful Cloudberry Panna Cotta. It’s a testament to the culinary adage that the simplest of ingredients, when combined with love and a bit of creativity, can result in flavors as stunningly exotic as the cloudberries themselves.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
- 2 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1 ½ cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of cloudberry preserve
- 1 ½ cups of fresh cloudberries
- ½ cup of water
- Sprigs of mint, for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup of cold water in a small bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes until the gelatin softens.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of sugar, and the split vanilla bean. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Step Three
Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the vanilla bean. Add the softened gelatin and stir until it is dissolved into the milk mixture.
Step Four
In a large bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of cloudberry preserve. Whisk in the warm milk mixture until everything is combined.
Step Five
Pour the mixture into dessert glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or until the panna cotta is set.
Step Six
Just before serving, top each panna cotta with fresh cloudberries and garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy this refreshing and creamy dessert!