Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta With Strawberry Coulis
Looking for a dessert that will make your dinner party unforgettable? Look no further than vanilla bean panna cotta with strawberry coulis. This dessert is simple to make but looks impressive and tastes divine. With a creamy vanilla base and a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce, every bite will make your taste buds dance. Let's dive into the details of this delicious dessert.
What is Panna Cotta?
Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert that translates to "cooked cream". It's a simple dessert made with just a few ingredients: cream, sugar, and gelatin. The cream is heated with sugar and vanilla until it comes to a simmer. Then, gelatin is added to set the mixture into a firm, silky dessert. Panna cotta is usually served with a fruit sauce or coulis on top.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla bean over medium heat until simmering.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove the vanilla bean from the cream mixture and scrape out any remaining seeds.
- Heat the cream mixture over medium heat until just simmering.
- Add the gelatin mixture to the cream mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
- Divide the mixture into 6 small ramekins or glasses and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
What is Strawberry Coulis?
Coulis is a French term that refers to a fruit sauce made from pureed fruit, sugar, and sometimes a bit of lemon juice. It's a simple and versatile sauce that can be used on desserts, pancakes, or even as a salad dressing. For this recipe, we'll make a strawberry coulis to complement the vanilla bean panna cotta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Assembly:
To assemble the dessert, remove the panna cotta from the refrigerator and run a knife around the edges of the ramekins to loosen the dessert. Invert the ramekin onto a plate and give it a sharp tap to release the panna cotta. Spoon the strawberry coulis over the top of the panna cotta and serve immediately.
Conclusion:
Vanilla bean panna cotta with strawberry coulis is a dessert that's sure to impress your guests. The creamy vanilla base pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy strawberry sauce. And the best part? It's easy to make! With just a few ingredients and some patience while the dessert sets, you'll have a show-stopping dessert that will make your taste buds dance.
