| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 392 | 29g | 18g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 0g | 5g | 0.08g |
Orange Vanilla Panna Cotta – even the name feels like a soothing whisper on the tongue, a tantalizing promise of the creamy, fruity delight about to be savored. This light, yet luxurious dessert easily ranks among my favorites. In my culinary journey, bridging the hearty comforts of Southern American food with the rich palates of West African tradition, the simplicity of this Italian classic beautifully complements and balances the bolder, zestier flavors that I typically incorporate into my Afro-Southern fusion fare.
The Magic of Fusion
The beauty of food, in my opinion, lies in its limitless adaptability – how a humble dish from one corner of the globe can seamlessly marry the cultural heritage of another. This recipe may not directly derive from the southern United States’ culinary scene, or boast the fiery notes of West African cuisine. Still, its understated elegance uniquely complements the robust character of those cuisines. For instance, when paired with a spicy Peppered Steak or a hearty Red Beans and Rice, the Orange Vanilla Panna Cotta serves as a calm, soothing encore, effectively showcasing the cohesiveness of decisively different culinary traditions.
Healthfulness in Indulgence
While I confess to be an unabashed food lover, my background compels me to weave consciousness about health and lifestyle into my culinary expressions. The Orange Vanilla Panna Cotta finds its strength not just in its delightful flavor but also in its nutritional value. The fresh oranges, rich in Vitamin C, help boost immunity, while the gelatin promotes healthy skin and joints. All these elements blend beautifully into an indulgence that doubles up as a little health boost!
Indeed, my love for the Orange Vanilla Panna Cotta stems from its elegance, simplicity and the gentle flavor symphony it brings to one’s palate. It is a recipe that effortlessly aligns with my passion for curating dishes that lend an experience that is both deeply personal and evocatively global. So, as long as there are desserts to be devoured – and trust me, there always will be – I will continue to cherish the sweet magic of the Orange Vanilla Panna Cotta.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar (optional for serving)
Method
Step One
First of all, pour 2 tablespoons of cold water into a small dish. Once done, sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin over the water and stir to combine. Let it sit for a while to let the gelatin soften and absorb the water.
Step Two
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook over medium heat and continue to stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let it come to a light simmer, but do not let it boil.
Step Three
Remove the cream mixture from the heat. Add in the softened gelatin and stir until it is completely dissolved in the cream. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step Four
Add the zest of 1 large orange to the cream mixture. Then pour in 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and stir until everything is well combined.
Step Five
Gently whisk in 1/2 cup of whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour the mixture into individual ramekins or serving dishes.
Step Six
Place the dishes in the refrigerator and let them set for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is firm to the touch.
Step Seven
Before serving, optionally sprinkle each panna cotta with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar for that extra sweet touch. Enjoy your homemade Orange Vanilla Panna Cotta!
