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Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta – A Creamy, Elegant, and Easy Italian Dessert

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This Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy Italian dessert infused with rich vanilla bean flavor. Elegantly simple and perfect for making ahead, it’s delicious served chilled with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, or mint.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 packet powdered gelatine (7.2 grams)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
  • Assorted berries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add 3 tablespoons of water to a small bowl. Sprinkle the powdered gelatine evenly over the water and set aside to bloom for at least 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium to medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from the heat.
  3. Add the bloomed gelatine to the warm cream mixture and whisk thoroughly until completely dissolved and smooth, with no lumps remaining.
  4. Carefully divide the mixture evenly among 7 four-ounce serving pots or dessert glasses. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or until fully set. The panna cotta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  5. When ready to serve, remove the panna cotta from the refrigerator. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, or assorted berries, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Bloom the gelatine in cold water for at least 5 minutes before adding it to the warm cream mixture to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Avoid boiling the cream mixture. Gentle heating helps dissolve the sugar without overheating the dairy.
  • For the smoothest panna cotta, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into serving pots.
  • Refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow the panna cotta to set completely. Overnight chilling is ideal.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh fruit and mint just before serving.
  • For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, or mint leaves.
  • For a vegetarian variation, use a suitable plant-based gelling agent instead of gelatine, following the manufacturer’s substitution and preparation instructions.
  • Nutrition values are estimates per serving and exclude optional garnishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/vanilla-bean-panna-cotta-a-creamy-elegant-and-easy-italian-dessert/