There’s something incredibly elegant and refreshing about the combination of creamy panna cotta, delicate rose flavor, and the subtle sweetness of litchi. These Litchi Rose Panna Cotta are a sophisticated dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With its smooth, velvety texture and aromatic notes of rose and litchi, this panna cotta is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on the harmonious blend of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as delightful as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Creamy Texture: The panna cotta is incredibly smooth and silky, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
Subtle Rose Flavor: The addition of rose water brings a unique and fragrant touch to the dessert.
Fresh Litchi Topping: Sliced litchis add a burst of natural sweetness and a hint of tropical freshness.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy days when you still want something special.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add different toppings like fresh berries or mint leaves, or experiment with other flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Heavy Cream: Provides richness and creaminess to the panna cotta.
Whole Milk: Adds body and helps achieve the right consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the panna cotta without overpowering the other flavors.
Gelatin Sheets: Acts as a gelling agent, ensuring the panna cotta sets properly.
Rose Water: Adds a delicate floral aroma to the dessert.
Fresh Litchis: Ripe litchis provide natural sweetness and a tropical twist.
Mint Leaves (Optional): For garnish, adding a fresh and aromatic touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this exquisite dessert
Prepare the Gelatin: Soak gelatin sheets in cold water until soft. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.
Heat the Dairy: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
Add Gelatin and Rose Water: Stir in the softened gelatin and rose water until fully dissolved.
Pour and Chill: Pour the mixture into small ramekins or glass jars. Let cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Prepare the Topping: Peel and slice fresh litchis. Set aside.
Serve and Enjoy: To unmold, dip the ramekins briefly in warm water, then invert onto plates. Garnish with sliced litchis and fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 200
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding chilling time)
How to Serve Litchi Rose Panna Cotta
These panna cottas pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for added color and nutrition.
Honey Drizzle: Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and a touch of warmth.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these panna cottas are decadent enough to enjoy on their own. Simply savor each bite and let the flavors dance on your palate.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh litchis and high-quality cream elevate the overall flavor of the dish. Avoid using expired products.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: While freezing isn’t recommended for the panna cotta itself, you can prepare the topping ahead of time and freeze it. Thaw before serving.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like vanilla or almond for variety.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought gelatin? Yes! Store-bought gelatin works well and ensures a consistent texture.
2. What type of cream should I use? Heavy cream works best for achieving the right balance of richness and creaminess. For a lighter option, use light cream.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the panna cotta up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply unmold and serve when ready.
4. How do I store leftover panna cotta? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the panna cotta? Not recommended, as freezing may affect the texture. However, you can freeze the topping separately.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar-free alternative.
8. Can I skip the rose water? You can, though the rose water adds a distinctive flavor. Substitute with vanilla extract or another aromatic ingredient.
9. Do I need to chill the panna cotta? Chilling is essential for setting the dessert.
10. Can I add other toppings to the panna cotta? Absolutely! Roasted almonds, chocolate shavings, or fresh herbs would all pair beautifully with the creamy base.
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and elegant Litchi Rose Panna Cotta recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With its creamy texture, subtle rose flavor, and fresh litchi topping, this panna cotta satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, mix things up, and let’s create something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Litchi Rose Panna Cotta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including setting time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-inspired with Italian roots)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Litchi Rose Panna Cotta is a beautifully fragrant dessert, combining creamy panna cotta with sweet litchi and a touch of rose. A perfect balance of floral and fruity flavors, ideal for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder (or agar-agar for a vegetarian/vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Litchi Layer:
- 1 cup litchi puree (fresh or canned litchis blended)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Edible rose petals
- Chopped litchis
Instructions
- Prepare the Panna Cotta:
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to bloom.
- Heat Cream and Milk: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
- Add Gelatin: Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or molds. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Prepare the Litchi Layer:
- Make Litchi Puree: In a blender, puree the litchis until smooth. Strain if desired to remove any pulp.
- Sweeten Puree: In a bowl, mix the litchi puree with sugar and lemon juice. Adjust sweetness to your taste.
- Layer on Panna Cotta: Once the panna cotta is set, gently pour the litchi puree over the top of each panna cotta layer. Return to the refrigerator for another hour to set.
- Serve:
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with edible rose petals and chopped litchis.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy your Litchi Rose Panna Cotta a beautifully fragrant and refreshing dessert!
- Storage:
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and almond milk instead of dairy options. Replace gelatin with agar-agar to maintain a plant-based recipe.
- Adjust sweetness in the litchi puree to your taste. You can add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- You can strain the litchi puree to remove any pulp for a smoother texture, or leave it as is for added texture.
- Gelatin alternatives: If you don’t have gelatin, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute. Make sure to adjust the setting process according to the agar-agar instructions.
- Garnishes: Edible rose petals and chopped litchis enhance the aesthetic and flavor, but you can also use other edible flowers like violets or lavender for a different floral touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg