Il Cucinologo
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Panna Cotta with Pomegranate Jelly

17/11/2023

Panna cotta is a classic Italian spoon dessert that is very simple to prepare. The pairing with pomegranate jelly not only adds a pleasant color contrast, but also a slightly tart taste that balances the sweetness of the panna cotta. Here is the recipe for you.

Ingredients

Per the panna cotta:

  • 500 ml fresh cream
  • 100 g sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod or one teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 g gelatin sheets (about 6 sheets) or 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

Per the pomegranate jelly:

  • 350 ml pomegranate juice (you can squeeze it yourself from pomegranates or buy it ready-made)
  • 50 g sugar
  • 8 g gelatin sheets (about 4 sheets) or one and a half teaspoons powdered gelatin

Preparation

  1. Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes, until they soften.

  2. Meanwhile, pour the cream into a saucepan and add the sugar. If using the vanilla pod, split it lengthwise and scrape the seeds inside to add to the cream, then add the pod itself as well. Bring almost to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar well.

  3. Once the cream is hot and the sugar dissolved, remove the vanilla pod, if used, and add the well-squeezed gelatin sheets (or powdered gelatin) stirring well until completely dissolved.

  4. Pour the mixture into your preferred panna cotta containers, which can be molds, glasses or cups, then let cool to room temperature and transfer to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.

  5. To prepare the pomegranate jelly, soak the gelatin sheets again in cold water for 10 minutes.

  6. Heat the pomegranate juice with the sugar in a small saucepan, until the sugar is completely dissolved. There is no need to bring it to a boil.

  7. Squeeze the gelatin sheets and add them to the hot pomegranate juice, stirring until completely dissolved.

  8. Let the pomegranate juice cool to room temperature, then gently pour over the set panna cotta.

  9. Refrigerate again and let the jelly solidify completely, it will take about 2 hours.

Once the pomegranate jelly is well solidified, your panna cotta is ready to be served. You can add, if you like, fresh pomegranate seeds to decorate and add a touch of freshness.

Trivia

Panna cotta, which literally means “cooked cream”, originates from the Piedmont region in northern Italy, but is now appreciated all over the world. Its variants can range infinitely, adapting to tastes and seasonal ingredients.