KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 ― This definitely has to be one of my favourite desserts. Panna cotta, a popular Italian dessert with an Asian twist ― green tea!
At its simplest form, panna cotta is made by simmering together cream, milk and sugar before mixing with some gelatin and allowing it to cool until set.
From this basic recipe, numerous modifications have been made to produce different varieties of panna cotta, of which this green tea variant is an example.
This subtly sweet dessert is given some Asian treatment with the fragrant and slightly bitter taste of the green tea, which only succeeds in making it an even more desirable.
When adding in the gelatin, you will want to allow the gelatin to dissolve properly in warm water before straining it to drain off the excess moisture. Only then can you proceed to whisk it with the cream mixture.
The gelatin works by stabilizing the aqueous phase of the ingredients, resulting in a firm, jelly-like consistency. Its sparkling clear appearance ensures it does not tamper with the colour of the dessert.
Gelatin usually results in a dessert with a crisp, clean mouth-feel that in no way affects the original flavours of the ingredients.
You will be pleased to know that making this luscious dessert doesn’t occupy much of your time. That’s right, delicious dessert in no time at all. The perfect life-saver when you want to serve your guests something truly delicious at short notice.
Green tea panna cotta
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Setting time: 3-4 hours
Yields about 15, 50ml teacups
½ tablespoon green tea powder
1 cup fresh milk
2 cups fresh cream/whipping cream
½ cup castor sugar
4 teaspoons powdered gelatin
3 tablespoons boiling water
1. Mix green tea powder with castor sugar in a pot. Add cream, sugar into a clean pot and heat slowly over low heat until sugar dissolves and about to boil. Turn off heat.
2. Add powdered gelatin slowly into 3 tbsp of boiling water.
3. Whisk gelatin into mix.
4. Pour into ramekins or teacups.
5. Leave to set in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours
