Recipe

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Photo 1 of 3
by Heena

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Photo 2 of 3
by Heena

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Photo 3 of 3
by Heena

  • This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Recipe Using Fresh Basil
    This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Pudding
  • Chef

    Heena's Notes: I had read about a Basil Custard in a Gourmet (RIP) magazine and the idea of using herbs that are traditionally savory in a dessert intrigued me. I decided to do a panna cotta with that idea...

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Serves 8

  1. Heat the cream and milk with the lemon zest and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.

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  2. Remove from heat and add the basil and mint leaves. Cover and let infuse for 30-40 minutes.

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  3. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a bowl and let stand for 10-15 minutes.

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  4. Lightly oil 8 ramekins with a neutral tasting oil.

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  5. Strain the zest and leaves out of the cream and milk mixture and rewarm over gentle heat.

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  6. Pour the warm mixture over the gelatin and stir to dissolve.

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  7. Whisk the yogurt until smooth and mix into the cream and milk.

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  8. Pour the mixture through a sieve into a jug and then pour into the prepared ramekins. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Once cool, cover with clingfilm and refrigerate to set overnight.

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  9. An hour before ready to serve, finely chop the basil and mint with a sharp knife or scissors.

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  10. Cut the strawberries into quarters or one-eighths depending on their size. Place in a bowl, sprinkle sugar and the basil and mint over the berries, toss gently and let stand for an hour.

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  11. Unmould the panna cotta onto serving plates. (One trick I use is to dip the bottom half of the ramekin in hot water for 4-5 seconds; it helps to slip the panna cotta right out.) Serve with the berries and accompanying syrup spooned around the panna cotta. (You can also serve this directly in the ramekins topped with the strawberries.)

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5 Comments on Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Picture_6 Reply

I love panna cotta and have never made it - don't know, but I will use the recipe to change that! Beautiful photo, by the way!

Sunshine_in_my_glass Reply

Thanks!! Just a reminder of the header note to add 1/2 teaspoon more gelatin if you don't want your panna cotta quite so jiggly.

Img_1958 Reply

This looks delicious!

Sunshine_in_my_glass Reply

Thanks! It's quite a refreshing dessert in this summer heat.

Sunshine_in_my_glass Reply

Thanks AntoniaJames for your suggestions. This is now waiting patiently in the fridge for me.

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