This creamy melt in mouth Mango Panna Cotta is made without gelatin. I use agar agar instead to set this Italian dessert. Make a big batch with only 10 minutes of your active time. This fruit-filled dessert is suitable for vegetarians. Easy customization for vegans!
1teaspoonbutterscotch essenceoptional, use vanilla instead.
Pinchof saffron7-8n strands
¼teaspooncardamom2 pods crushed
To activate agar agar
120ml(½ cup) water
1¾thteaspoonagar agar powder
For the mango sauce (optional)
½cupmango puree
2teaspooncornstarch
2tablespoonwater
Garnish
2tablespoonsslivered almonds
2tablespoonssliced pistachio
1tablespoonRose petalsoptional
Whipped creamOptional
Instructions
In a heavy bottom pan mix in heavy cream, milk, and mango puree.
Cook on medium heat until warm.
Add in the flavoring and cook until a simmer.
Stir occasionally in between to avoid it to burn at the bottom.
In the meantime, take a small pan and whisk in the water and agar agar powder.
Whisk until lump-free. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Now cook this mixture on medium heat until the agar agar is completely dissolved.
Bring it to a simmer and switch off the flame.
Add the warm agar agar mixture to the hot mango mixture by whisking it constantly.
Strain the mixture carefully in another container using a sieve.
Now work soon as the mixture will set once it starts cooling.
Pour the mixture into desired molds, glasses, cups, or a deep dish to set.
Once it cools down cover it with plastic wrap and transfer it in the refrigerator to set further.
Panna cotta made with agar agar sets in 4-6 hours.
For the Mango Sauce
In a small bowl, stir in the cornstarch with water until smooth. Keep aside
Heat up the mango puree on medium heat in a saucepan until it reaches a simmer.
Add in the cornstarch paste to the puree.
Keep stirring constantly once it comes to a simmer.
Cook for a minute after it starts simmering.
The sauce is done when it starts to thicken and coats the spoon well.
It will thicken more when it starts cooling.
Let it cool in the pan itself at room temperature.
Then transfer it in a small bowl or a squeeze bottle and refrigerate it until use.
Time to serve
Once the panna cotta is set with adequate chilling remove it from the fridge and garnish if desired.
Just before serving top it with the mango sauce.
If you have set it in the pan then just cut into equal pieces, loosen the sides and slide a spatula to take it out.
To de-mold, the panna cotta from a bowl, dip the bowls in hot water for 15 seconds.
Run a knife on the edges and carefully turn it upside down on the serving dish. Give 3-4 gentle taps on the top of the bowl and slowly twist it.
Panna cotta should slide right off.
If it is set in a glass, just enjoy it directly with a spoon.
Notes
Standard Conversion: 1 teaspoon agar powder = 1 tablespoon agar flakes=⅓rd cup agar strands cut into small pieces.Panna cotta tastes the best chilled.However, you can set it out at a party or dinner table up to 1 hour before it is served.
How to make Fresh Mango Puree?
Blend 1 cup chopped mangoes with ¼ cup water to make a puree.
Please note that the store-bought puree is pre-sweetened with sugar.
For fresh mangoes, add 2 tablespoons sugar for every cup of mangoes used, if they aren't sweet.
How to store panna cotta?
Panna cotta stays well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing shape.So, it is a great dessert option to make in advance.
Important tips to make the best mango panna cotta
Refer to the details on the type of mangoes to use given above.Understand the difference between agar agar and gelatin proportion guide mentioned above.Always mix agar agar with water before heating it. Adding it to hot water will clump the agar agar.
Possible substitutions
You may skip the milk and use an equal amount of heavy cream throughout.
Vice Versa won’t taste great.
Swap canned mango puree with fresh mangoes. You will have to adjust sugar accordingly.
Taste the mango cream mixture and add sugar to your preference.
Use vanilla instead of butterscotch essence.
Use nuts and garnish of your choice.
You may use chopped fruits on the top.
I have used a 7"by11" glass pan to set the panna cotta.
Have fun with different molds and glasses to set the panna cotta.
Make it vegan
Simply swap canned mango puree with fresh mango one. Add vegan sugar to the prepared puree.Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk Swap milk for plant-based milk like coconut, cashew, or oat.