Blue Tea Panna Cotta
If you're a dessert enthusiast, you should not miss trying this Blue Tea Panna Cotta. Its smooth texture and color will be simply a showstopper at any dessert table. The delicate floral and earthy flavors of the blue tea balanced with creamy panna cotta are an irresistible combination. So, let's get into the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Blue Tea Layer:
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons blue butterfly pea tea (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Heatproof serving glasses or molds
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Blue Tea Layer
- Brew the Tea:
Boil 1 cup of water and steep the blue tea for 5–7 minutes until it turns a deep blue. Strain the tea into a bowl and discard the tea leaves or bags.
- Sweeten and Bloom the Gelatin:
Add sugar to the warm tea and stir until dissolved. In another bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Combine and Set:
Melt the bloomed gelatin gently and whisk it into the tea. Fill glasses halfway with blue tea mixture and if desired tilt them to allow for a layer effect of blue over the top. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, until set.
-
Preparation of the Cream Layer
- Heat the Cream Mixture:
Heavy cream, milk, and sugar are combined in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Avoid allowing it to boil.
- Add Vanilla and Gelatin:
Take it off the stove and stir in the vanilla extract. Bloom gelatin in 2 tbsp cold water as before, dissolve it gently and mix into the warm cream mixture.
- Cool and Pour:
Let the cream mixture cool slightly, then pour it gently over the set blue tea layer in your glasses. Refrigerate for another 3–4 hours, or until fully set.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh fruits like blueberries, edible flowers, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve Chilled: This dessert is best served cold, so enjoy it cool during a summer party or for dinner.
Tips for Success
- For a vibrant color, ensure the blue tea is brewed to its richest hue.
- To create a layered effect, let the first layer set completely before adding the next.
- For a vegan option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and gelatin with agar-agar.
- Impress your guests and treat yourself to a delightful fusion of flavors and textures with this Blue Tea Panna Cotta.
Try this recipe today and transform your dessert experience into something truly magical!