Cheap Panna Cotta
A wonderfully simple, silky, and cheap dessert. Easily made dairy-free, it feels luxurious without the high cost.
Serves: 4
Cost: $2.50 NZD (approx)
Time: 10 minutes prep + 5 hours chilling
Ingredients
250g coconut cream
250g milk (or use 500g total coconut cream for dairy-free)
80g sugar
8g gelatin powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
Method
Place the coconut cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla essence into a saucepan.
Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the liquid surface. Let it sit for 2 minutes to "bloom."
Warm the mixture over a low-medium heat, stirring continuously. Do not let it boil. Heat until the gelatin and sugar have completely dissolved.
Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a jug to ensure it is perfectly smooth.
Divide the liquid between four glasses or ramekins.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or until fully set.
Tips
Smooth finish: Straining the mixture is the secret to a perfectly smooth panna cotta with no granules.
Unmolding: To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of the ramekin in hot water and invert onto a plate.
Flavor variations: Infuse the warm mixture with citrus zest, a cinnamon stick, or a tablespoon of instant coffee for a different flavor.
Serving suggestion: Serve with a berry compote, a drizzle of honey, or some fresh seasonal fruit.
Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
