A white dessert gently swaying in the glass.
Smooth, gentle, and with a sweetness that quietly melts in your mouth.
"Panna cotta" is one of those Italian desserts that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
The name "Panna Cotta" means "cooked cream."
"Panna Cotta" is Italian for "cooked cream."
“Panna” means fresh cream, and “cotta” means cooked.
It’s a simple term that directly translates to "cooked cream," essentially named after the ingredient itself.
Without using eggs, it is made by gently warming fresh cream, sugar, and gelatin (or agar), then allowing it to cool and set.
The soft flavor of milk and the melting texture are the main attractions.
Is it true that it originated from the farmers of the Piedmont region in northern Italy?
There are several theories about the origin of panna cotta, but the most widely accepted one is that it comes from the Piedmont region in northern Italy.
In the early 20th century, it is said to have been created as a "homegrown wisdom" by local farmers who wanted to avoid wasting leftover cream.
This coincided with a time when sugar and gelatin became more easily accessible,
It eventually became a staple dessert in restaurants and cafes, spreading throughout Italy and eventually across the world.
At Purana Barca, it's a "lucky to find" dish.
In fact, panna cotta is not listed on Purana Barca's regular menu.
However, it is a classic dessert that frequently appears as part of the party course menu,
During lunch time, it is also a dessert that you might be lucky enough to encounter as the daily special.
Depending on the course and ingredients of the day, it is served with sauces such as berries, caramel, or citrus.
Despite its simplicity, the dish reflects the chef's playful touch, and it has quietly gained popularity as a "hidden pleasure" after the meal.
A Simple Panna Cotta Recipe to Make at Home
It's often thought that the taste of a restaurant's dish is difficult to replicate at home, but panna cotta is actually a relatively easy dessert to make at home.
The ingredients are few, and the cooking time is short. Since it just needs to be chilled, it's a great point that you can make it the day before.
**Homemade Simple Panna Cotta Recipe (Serves 2-3)**
ingredients
- Heavy cream: 200ml
- Milk: 100ml
- Sugar: about 25g
- Powdered gelatin: 5g (If using bloom-type gelatin, soak it in 2 tablespoons of water beforehand)
- Vanilla essence: A few drops (optional)
How to cook
- In a pot, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar, and heat over medium heat until just before boiling (be careful not to let it boil).
- Remove from heat and add the gelatin, stirring until it is completely dissolved.
- Add the vanilla essence and mix. Then, strain the mixture through a fine sieve while pouring it into containers.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set. And it's ready to enjoy!
For a finishing touch, you can add fruit sauce or espresso sauce for an extra delicious flavor.
With a subtle sweetness, it makes for a perfect dessert for adults.
Panna cotta is a dessert that allows for easy adjustment of sweetness.
By reducing the sweetness and pairing it with a sauce that has a hint of acidity or bitterness,
It becomes the perfect dish for a "grown-up after-dinner" that enhances the lingering finish of wine.
At Purana Barca, that style of panna cotta occasionally makes an appearance.
If you're lucky enough to encounter it, make that day a little bit special.
Next time, we will explore the meaning behind the name "Pescatore" and the roots of this dish as a fisherman's meal, filled with the bounty of the sea. Stay tuned!
English 
Japanese