| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 22g | 14g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 1g | 5g | 0.05g |
Just a whiff of the rich aroma and allure of the Vanilla Panna Cotta hits and transports you back to the days of family Sunday brunches. This delightful dessert, reminiscent of those family gatherings, is more than just an ordinary dish – it embodies the warm spirit of Midwestern comfort food. In essence, each spoonful harks back to the heartland. The Vanilla Panna Cotta, a fruit-based Italian delight, mirrors the farm-to-table freshness and simplicity that lie at the heart of America’s Heartland cuisine.
A Touch of Tradition and Freshness
In crafting the Vanilla Panna Cotta, we embrace not just the simplicity of Midwestern cooking, but also its keen appreciation for quality ingredients. The combination of heavy cream, gelatin, and Greek yogurt produces a dessert that’s both velvety and rich, a perfect primer for the finish. The topping—a refreshing mix of seasonal berries infused with a touch of lemon—mirrors the Midwestern appreciation for nature’s bounty. Each bite offers a delightful blend of creaminess and tang, a mélange of flavors true to our heartland origins.
The Perfect Panna Cotta Pairing
While the Vanilla Panna Cotta is a standout dish on its own, you might wonder what dishes would complement this creamy dessert perfectly. It pairs well with robust Italian classics like Tiramisu or a simple, savory pasta dish. If you’re aiming for a full-on Italian feast, consider adding a light, refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Parmigiano Crisps to balance the meal.
The Health Boost of Berries
Aside from bringing a vibrant touch to the dish, the mixed berry sauce also delivers an impressive array of health benefits. Berries are renowned for their high antioxidant properties, vital in fighting oxidative stress and inflammation. Incorporating them into our everyday diet not only adds flavor, but also supports overall wellness. The Vanilla Panna Cotta then, is not only an endearing dessert but also a guilt-free treat packed with wholesome goodness straight from the heart of the Heartland.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
- 2 cups mixed berries (for sauce)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (for sauce)
Method
Step One
Begin by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until the gelatin softens and swells.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. If using a vanilla bean, split and scrape the seeds from the bean, and add both the seeds and the pod to the cream mixture (if using vanilla extract, don’t add it yet). Bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step Three
Once the cream simmers, remove the pan from heat and add the softened gelatin to the cream. Stir until the gelatin completely dissolves in the cream.
Step Four
Remove the vanilla bean pod from the mixture (if you used one). If you’re using vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean, add it now. Then, whisk in the Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth.
Step Five
Divide the mixture between your serving dishes (this recipe should make about six servings). Place the dishes in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least four hours, or until the panna cotta sets.
Step Six
While the panna cotta chills, you can make the berry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, mixed berries, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the berries start to break down.
Step Seven
Once the sauce is cooked, strain it to remove any seeds and let it cool. Before serving, spoon the cooled berry sauce over the set panna cotta.
