| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 482 | 34g | 21g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 1g | 5g | 0.05g |
There are few culinary delights that bring me as much joy as this Vanilla and Mulberry Panna Cotta. Continuing my journey of savouring and celebrating my rich African-American heritage, I find this recipe is a delightful nod to the Afro-Southern fusion that I hold close to my heart. Growing up in Atlanta, where soul food meets international innovation, has greatly influenced my vision of what a dessert can be. This elegant and refreshing dish is just one of many ways I express my love for textures and flavors.
Zesty Mulberries – A Delight from Ancient Persia
The star of this recipe, the mulberries, hold a charm of their own. Aside from their mildly sweet, yet tart, flavor profile, mulberries are little powerhouses of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, and K, and minerals like iron and potassium.
These delicious berries, reminisce of the mulberry trees my Nigerian parents used to tell stories about to me and my siblings. They are significantly beneficial for our health: they can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, benefit our visual health, and even have a positive impact on heart health.
A Touch of Cream & Vanilla – Southern Comfort in Every Bite
The creamy taste of this dessert hints at my love for Southern comfort food. Combined with a shot of vanilla, this panna cotta recipe promises to take you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen with a spin of global influences.
The texture of panna cotta is often likened to unfrozen vanilla semifreddo, and it works beautifully when served with additional fresh fruits or even a crunchy biscotti on the side.
As a practicing lawyer, I’ve spent days in courthouses with nothing but a small bite for lunch. When I come home tired, working on new recipes becomes a stress reliever. The simplicity and elegance of this Vanilla and Mulberry Panna Cotta dish work akin to a calming balm. I find the act of combining the ingredients and waiting for the panna cotta to set, almost therapeutic.
At the end of the day, for me, it’s all about creating meals that impact not just with their flavors and textures, but also with their reminiscences of home, heritage, and harmony. And, needless to say, this Vanilla and Mulberry Panna Cotta does all that and more.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 tablespoon of gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of mulberries
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Additional mulberries for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin with blooming the gelatin. In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder with the cold water. Stir till it’s mixed and set aside to bloom for about 5-10 minutes.
Step Two
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring periodically until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not let it come to a boil.
Step Three
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the bloomed gelatin to the mix. Stir until the gelatin is completely incorporated and dissolved into the warm cream mixture. Pour in your milk and give it a quick stir.
Step Four
Divide this mixture evenly into your serving dishes and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely set.
Step Five
While the Panna Cotta is setting, prepare the mulberry sauce by combining the mulberries, white sugar, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries are softened and the sauce has thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool.
Step Six
Once the Panna Cotta is set, pour some of the cooled mulberry sauce over the top of each. Garnish with additional mulberries, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Vanilla and Mulberry Panna Cotta!
