🍓 Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce (Ultra Smooth & Restaurant Style)

✨ Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

🥛 Vanilla Panna Cotta

• 250 ml heavy cream (35% fat recommended)
• 100 ml whole milk
• 60 g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1/2 vanilla bean)
• 6 g gelatin powder (2 tsp)
• 30 ml cold water

🍓 Strawberry Sauce

• 180 g fresh strawberries (hulled)
• 40–50 g sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2–3 tbsp water (adjust consistency)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Bloom the gelatin

• Add cold water to a small bowl.
• Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface.
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes until soft and sponge-like.

👉 This step ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.

🔹 Step 2: Heat the cream mixture

• In a saucepan, combine:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • Sugar
• Heat gently over low–medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

⚠️ Do NOT boil.
Target temperature: 60–70°C (140–158°F)

🔹 Step 3: Add gelatin and vanilla

• Remove from heat.
• Stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
• Add vanilla extract (or scrape vanilla bean seeds).

👉 The mixture should be smooth and slightly warm.

🔹 Step 4: Strain and pour

• Strain through a fine sieve for a silky finish.
• Pour into molds or serving cups.
• Tap lightly to remove air bubbles.

👉 Refrigerate:

• Minimum: 4 hours
• Best: overnight

🔹 Step 5: Make strawberry sauce

• Add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water to a pan.
• Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until soft.
• Blend (optional) for a smooth coulis or leave chunky.
• Cool completely.

🔹 Step 6: Unmold cleanly

• Dip mold in warm water for 5–10 seconds.
• Run a thin knife around the edge.
• Invert onto a plate.

🔹 Step 7: Plate like a pro

• Spoon strawberry sauce around the panna cotta.
• Add sliced strawberries.
• Garnish with mint leaves.

💡 Pro Tips

• Perfect texture: Use ~2% gelatin → soft, not rubbery.
• Extra smooth: Always strain before pouring.
• Balance flavor: Lemon juice enhances strawberry freshness.
• Professional look: Use ring molds for sharp edges.
• Storage: Keep chilled until serving.

🔥 Final Result

• Texture: silky, creamy, gently jiggly
• Flavor: rich vanilla + fresh, slightly tangy strawberry sauce
• Presentation: clean, minimal, high-end dessert

👉 This is a classic dessert that looks simple but delivers a refined, premium experience when executed properly.