| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
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| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 361 | 28g | 17g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 21g | 1g | 4g | 0.08g |
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When I first tried the Vanilla Dragonfruit Panna Cotta, I was immediately transported to a tropical paradise. The creamy texture, paired with the refreshing taste of dragonfruit, creates a dessert that is both indulgent and light. This recipe is a perfect blend of something familiar—panna cotta—and something exotic, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
A Fusion of the Best of Both Worlds
One of the reasons I am enamored with this recipe is its ability to combine different culinary traditions seamlessly. Growing up in Seattle, I had access to an abundance of fresh ingredients, especially beautiful fruits and creamy dairy products. After spending a significant amount of time in Japan, I fell in love with the delicate balance of flavors that Japanese cuisine offers. The Vanilla Dragonfruit Panna Cotta brings together my Pacific Northwest roots and my Japanese heritage in a way that is harmonious and exciting.
More Than Just a Dessert
Beyond its beautiful appearance and delightful taste, this panna cotta also offers some health benefits. Dragonfruit is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, and contains fiber, which aids in digestion. While it’s an indulgent treat, using dragonfruit allows you to enjoy a dessert that has some nutritional value too. The balance of the heavy cream and milk ensures that it has a decadently creamy texture without being overly rich.
The versatility of this dish cannot be overstated. It can be served as a light finish to a heavy meal, or as a refreshing standalone treat on a warm day. Pair it with dishes such as a grilled salmon with lemon basil butter or a spicy tuna roll to create a well-rounded meal that excites the palate from start to finish.
For those familiar with Italian desserts, this recipe bears a resemblance to traditional panna cotta but with an exotic twist. The inclusion of dragonfruit puree enhances its visual appeal and adds a unique flavor profile, making it memorable and special.
Ultimately, this dish excites me because it represents what I love most about cooking—bringing together diverse ingredients to create something more exceptional than the sum of its parts. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.
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What You’ll Need
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup dragonfruit puree
- Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
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Method
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Step One
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Add the split vanilla bean and seeds. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the vanilla to infuse.
Step Two
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
Step Three
Remove the vanilla bean from the cream mixture. Return the saucepan to low heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Remove the saucepan from heat again and stir in the dragonfruit puree until well combined.
Step Five
Pour the mixture into ramekins or serving glasses. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Step Six
When ready to serve, optionally garnish with fresh fruit and mint leaves. Enjoy your Vanilla Dragonfruit Panna Cotta!
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