Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
419 | 26g | 16g | 42g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
28g | 1g | 4g | 0.10g |
Oh, where do I start with the stunning dish that is Pomegranate Panna Cotta? Elegant yet simple, sweet while remaining refined, this delicacy has a one-of-a-kind way of drawing you in and keeping you hooked.
A Southern Belle Twist on an Italian Classic
Having hailed from the bosom of Southern tradition, it has always been my fascination to add a personal touch to international classics. Frankly, Pomegranate Panna Cotta has been no exception. Despite the Italian origins of Panna Cotta, the use of pomegranate in this recipe lends it a deeply rich and tangy flavor that masterfully blends with the creamy foundation of the dish. It’s a delightful departure from the fried chicken and biscuits I grew up with in Charleston, South Carolina.
Curious as to where other delightful pomegranate dishes originated? Check out this detailed article about the history of pomegranates for a hearty serving of knowledge.
Delicious Meets Nutritious
Not only is the Pomegranate Panna Cotta a taste bud winner, it’s also a health booster. Pomegranate is renowned for its high antioxidant content, potentially supporting heart health and helping to lower blood pressure. Not to forget, its sweet and tangy flavor pairs fabulously with a multitude of dishes.
If you’re curious about more of the potential health benefits of this wonderful fruit, take a look at this Healthline article.
Perfect Pairings
The Pomegranate Panna Cotta is a versatile dessert that makes an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs particularly well with light, crisp wines, such as a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc. It’s also a fabulous counterpart to rich, creamy dishes – think lobster bisque or chicken alfredo. But being a Southern belle, I can’t resist pairing it with a classic, moist coconut cake. The result? A heavenly combination that truly elevates the dining experience.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin this recipe by combining your pomegranate juice and sugar in a large saucepan. Place this over medium heat and stir regularly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, take the mixture off the heat and set it aside.
Step Two
Now it’s time to activate the gelatin. To do this, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a medium bowl and let it sit for around 5 minutes or until it has softened.
Step Three
While your gelatin is softening, combine your heavy cream and milk in your saucepan with the pomegranate juice mixture. Return this to the heat, and stir until it’s hot, but ensure that it doesn’t boil.
Step Four
Once your cream mixture is hot, you can add the softened gelatin to the saucepan. Stir this until the gelatin is fully dissolved. After this, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step Five
Now the mixture is ready to be poured. Pour the mixture into your ramekins or dishes of choice and place these into a refrigerator. Allow this to chill for at least four hours or more ideally, overnight until it’s fully set.
Step Six
When you’re ready to serve the Panna Cotta, you can garnish each serving with pomegranate seeds for a nice finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious Pomegranate Panna Cotta!