Panna cotta with peach coulis
- Easy
- 40 min
Panna cotta isn’t always about being sweet or creamy in that classic dessert way—it can go totally savory. Seriously good. Up in Northern Italy, chefs really love putting their own spin on traditional dishes. With this savory panna cotta, you get all the smooth, moist texture you expect, but the flavor is something you don’t usually see. And here's the thing, they use fresh basil, letting it soak and release its essential oils overnight. This makes the whole thing taste super fresh. Add in some Parmigiano cheese and, wow, you get a real balance between rich and herby. It's inspired by the look and feel of a caprese salad—pretty much. This dish plays with color and taste, giving you a cool appetizer that feels both old and new. The panna cotta itself is mild but has a bit of that salty kick from the cheese, and the basil really really pops when you let it sit and infuse.
Cherry tomato coulis comes in to tie everything together, offering a bright, tangy contrast that stands out next to the creamy base. This cherry tomato coulis isn’t just a sauce—it’s got that sweet, acidic edge. And you know, it bounces off the richness of the cheese and the soft dairy flavors. In Italy, they sometimes serve this dish in little glasses as a ‘shottino,’ making it super easy to try as a snack or at a party. It's a smart move if you want to surprise people with something that looks like dessert but goes in a totally different direction. The tomato coulis recipe works with ripe cherry tomatoes for the best color and taste. Really. You’ll notice how the whole dish feels super light yet totally satisfying. Even people who usually stick with dessert versions of panna cotta might want to give this a shot just for how unique it is.
Playing with Italian dessert ideas and turning them savory brings out the best of both worlds—no question—and you end up with something tender and super fresh that really stands out at the table. Whether you're a fan of flavors or looking to try something new, this dish is a wonderful way to experience the culinary creativity of Northern Italy. With its blend of familiar tastes and unexpected twists, it’s sure to impress anyone who gives it a try.
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To prepare the savory panna cotta with cherry tomato coulis, start with the panna cotta base. In a bowl, pour the cream 1, then break the basil leaves by hand and add the sprig as well 2. Mix well and cover with plastic wrap 3, leaving to infuse in the fridge for at least half an hour. After this time, the cream will have a pleasant basil aroma and flavor.
Soak the gelatin leaves in a bowl with cold water 4 and meanwhile, heat the cream and basil by pouring the mixture into a saucepan 5. As soon as it reaches a simmer, strain the cream through a sieve 6
to retain the leaves and obtain only a liquid mixture 7. Drain the gelatin and add it to the cream 8, then also add the grated cheese 9.
Quickly stir to dissolve everything 10, then adjust with salt and white pepper. Transfer the mixture into 4 cups 11, place them on a tray 12, and transfer them to the fridge to set for about an hour.
Meanwhile, prepare the tomato coulis. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half with a knife 13. In a saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil with half a clove of garlic, peeled and with the core removed 14. As soon as the base is hot, remove the garlic 15 and add the cherry tomatoes.
Let them heat for a minute over medium heat, then deglaze with apple cider vinegar 16. Once evaporated, add the brown sugar 17, salt, and mix 18.
Then add the water 19. Let it cook for 5 minutes over medium heat 20. Then pass it through a food mill 20
transfer back into the saucepan and cook for a few minutes until it becomes thicker 22. Let it cool slightly and pour over the semi-set panna cotta 23. Place back in the fridge for another couple of hours. When serving, garnish with basil leaves 34.