Lemongrass Panna Cotta
Are you ready for a dessert that’s so incredibly easy, ridiculously delicious, and will leave you wondering where it all disappeared? Well, look no further, my friends! This lemongrass panna cotta is a velvety, creamy custard with a subtle hint of lemongrass, generously topped with a heavenly mango puree. Get ready to swoon over its smooth texture and zesty lemony flavor that’ll have you devouring it in no time. Trust me, this dessert is an absolute game-changer.
Lemongrass Panna Cotta
With each spoonful of this dessert, you’ll experience the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and vibrant citrus notes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a special dessert to treat yourself, this lemongrass panna cotta is sure to impress and leave you longing for more.
Is panna cotta a custard or pudding?
This is a question that often pops up when discussing this luscious Italian dessert. Panna cotta, which translates to “cooked cream,” is a delightful creamy dessert that falls somewhere between a custard and a pudding. It has the smooth and silky texture of a custard, but without the eggs typically found in custard recipes. Instead, panna cotta is set using gelatin, which gives it a slightly firmer consistency compared to pudding. The beauty of panna cotta lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it the perfect dessert for various flavors and toppings. In this recipe, we take it up a notch by infusing it with the the flavor of refreshing citrusy lemongrass and topping it off with a delightful mango puree.
Lemongrass panna cotta ingredients
The beauty about panna cotta is that you only need handful of ingredients to create this fancy custard. With its smooth and creamy texture, this Italian dessert is a breeze to make, making it a perfect choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. Once you have mastered the classic version, feel free to explore endless possibilities for customization. Here’s what you’ll need to make my version.
- Coconut Milk
- Unflavored Powdered Gelatin
- Heavy Cream
- Granulated Sugar
- Lemongrass
- Vanilla Bean
- Lime Zest
- Mango
- Mint
Tips for making the perfect panna cotta
The great thing about panna cotta is that it doesn’t take many steps to make, and the kind of recipe when you have everything together you can set it and forget it in the fridge until it’s quite literally set. Here are some additional tips to ensure your panna cotta comes out perfect every time.
- Properly Bloom the Gelatin: To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, it’s crucial to properly bloom the gelatin. Stir the gelatin powder gently into the coconut milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step allows the gelatin to absorb the liquid and soften before adding it to the mixture.
- Simmer and Infuse: Slowly simmering the lemongrass with the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds creates a rich and fragrant base for the panna cotta. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching and allow the flavors to infuse for about 10 minutes.
- Strain for a Silky Texture: To achieve a velvety smooth texture, strain the mixture before pouring it into the ramekins. This step removes any solid particles, ensuring a creamy and refined final result.
- Allow Sufficient Setting Time: Patience is key when it comes to panna cotta. Allow the dessert to set in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This resting time ensures a firm and perfectly set panna cotta with a delicate jiggle.
I hope you’ll love this lemongrass panna cotta as much as I do! If you do make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Also, feel free to share them on social media, I’d love to see how they came out. Enjoy, friends!!
Lemongrass Panna Cotta
Are you ready for a dessert that's so incredibly easy, ridiculously delicious, and will leave you wondering where it all disappeared? Well, look no further, my friends! This lemongrass panna cotta is a velvety, creamy custard with a subtle hint of lemongrass, generously topped with a heavenly mango puree. Get ready to swoon over its smooth texture and zesty lemony flavor that'll have you devouring it in no time. Trust me, this dessert is an absolute game-changer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 7 grams unflavored gelatin powder (about 2 tsp)
- 4 stalks lemongrass
- 60 grams granulated sugar (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 vanilla bean (or substitute 2 tsp vanilla extract) (split lengthwise)
- pinch of salt
- zest of a lime
- 4 mangoes (diced and pureed)
- 2 sprigs of mint
Instructions
- In a small bowl, bloom the gelatin powder in coconut milk, stirring gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Take the lemongrass stalks, remove the ends, and lightly smash them with the back of a knife to release their aromatics. Cut into 1/2" pieces.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and smashed lemongrass. Place the saucepan over low heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Remove from heat and strain. Stir in the bloomed gelatin mixture and the coconut milk, making sure the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- Add lime zest to the mixture and give it a good stir. Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or serving glasses.
- Place the ramekins in the refrigerator and let the panna cotta set for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- While the panna cotta is setting, peel, dice, and puree some fresh mangoes. Once the panna cotta has set, spoon the mango puree on top of each panna cotta.
- To garnish, add a few fresh mint leaves on top of each panna cotta.
- Serve and enjoy the refreshing and aromatic lemongrass panna cotta!