Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce (Print Version)

Silky panna cotta topped with vibrant berry sauce for a classic Italian sweet finish.

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 2¼ teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
02 - 3 tablespoons cold water
03 - 480 millilitres heavy cream
04 - 120 millilitres whole milk
05 - 65 grams granulated sugar
06 - 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 1 pinch salt

→ Berry Sauce

08 - 300 grams mixed berries, fresh or frozen
09 - 50 grams granulated sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the cold water in a small bowl. Allow it to bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.
02 - Combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
03 - Remove the dairy mixture from the heat. Stir in the softened gelatin, vanilla extract, and salt, ensuring the gelatin is fully dissolved.
04 - Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among 8 ramekins or moulds. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
05 - Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 4 hours or overnight until the panna cotta is firm to the touch.
06 - While the panna cotta chills, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the berries are softened and the sauce has thickened slightly. Allow to cool completely.
07 - Unmould the panna cotta onto serving plates if desired. Spoon berry sauce over each portion and present immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For a smoother berry sauce, pass it through a fine sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
02 - Frozen berries may be used straight from the freezer, increasing the cooking time slightly for proper sauce consistency.
03 - Chill panna cotta for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure optimal firmness; overnight refrigeration is preferred.
04 - Substitute gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian version, following the manufacturer's instructions for equivalent setting power.
05 - Flavour variations can be made by using almond or citrus extracts in place of vanilla.