Imagine a dessert that dances between creamy elegance and vibrant freshness – a classic Italian panna cotta reimagined with a surprising herbal twist. This Strawberry Panna Cotta with Basil is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Italian garden, where sweet strawberries meet the unexpected, aromatic embrace of fresh basil. Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that defies traditional boundaries and promises to become the star of your next dinner party or intimate gathering.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it bloom for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gelatin to fully absorb the water and become soft.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove the cream mixture from heat and add the bloomed gelatin, whisking thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and integrated into the cream.
- Puree fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired.
- Divide the strawberry puree evenly among 6 serving glasses or ramekins, creating a thin base layer.
- Carefully pour the cream and gelatin mixture over the strawberry puree, filling each glass about 3/4 full.
- Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or overnight until the dessert is fully set and firm.
- Before serving, chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top of each panna cotta for a fragrant garnish.
- For best presentation, let the panna cotta sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Tips
- Gelatin is the secret to a perfectly set panna cotta – always bloom it in cold water first to ensure smooth, lump-free results.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most intense flavor and vibrant color in your puree.
- Strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds for a silky-smooth texture.
- Chill the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for optimal setting.
- Let the dessert sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to achieve that perfect, delicate wobble.
- Fresh basil is crucial – chop it just before garnishing to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- For a professional presentation, use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of strawberry and cream.
- If you want a more intense basil flavor, you can infuse the cream with basil leaves during heating, then strain before adding gelatin.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 90mg
