Panna cotta with agar agar

Name: Panna cotta with agar agar
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Fresh liquid cream 2.3 cups; Strawberries 2 ¾ cups; Sugar 0.67 cup; Sugar 4 tbsp; Agar agar ½ tsp; Strawberries 2; Mint to taste

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501

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 501
Carbohydrates g 57.9
of which sugars g 57.9
Protein g 4.8
Fats g 27.9
of which saturated fat g 15.99
Fiber g 1.7
Cholesterol mg 91
Sodium mg 49

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Makes: 4 pieces
Cost: Low
Note plus the resting time in the refrigerator (about 4 hours)

PRESENTATION

Panna cotta with agar agar? Oh yeah, it's a fun twist on the classic Italian dessert from Piedmont. Perfect if you're craving a dairy-free panna cotta or need something vegetarian-friendly. Thing is, instead of the usual gelatin, this version uses agar agar. It is a plant-based gelling agent from red algae, super handy for vegan panna cotta fans. And look, it’s totally free of animal products.

Now, agar agar needs thorough heating to activate. And so, it gives the texture a slightly more smooth and set feel. But it still keeps that creamy goodness. Really good stuff. Lining your cups with fresh strawberry slices? Super tasty idea. It not only looks fantastic but adds a burst of sweet fruitiness with each bite. For real, it creates a super refreshing vibe.

This panna cotta stands out at the table with its colorful, layered look. And you know what? It's praised as a great way to finish a meal, especially in warmer months. In Piedmont, panna cotta is a staple, but using agar agar offers a modern twist. It caters to various diets, which is great. People who usually avoid gelatin desserts—whether for health, religious, or personal reasons—are really thrilled with this type of agar agar dessert.

You can explore options like coconut milk, leading to coconut panna cotta or entirely plant-based panna cotta. The texture? It's slightly firmer than the traditional version, yet so so tender. It melts in your mouth, that moist and delicate finish. Combined with fresh strawberries, it provides a light dessert that’s not too heavy.

Many Italians serve these at parties or casual gatherings. And it's an easy vegan dessert that looks fancy with little effort. Whether you go for the cream or the vegan option, panna cotta with agar agar continues to win hearts—it's simple, colorful, and hits the spot for anyone who loves a light, sweet conclusion to their meal.

INGREDIENTS

501

Calories per serving

for 4 glasses of 5 oz: Fresh liquid cream 2.3 cups (550 g); Strawberries 2 ¾ cups (400 g); Sugar 0.67 cup (130 g); Sugar 4 tbsp (50 g); Agar agar ½ tsp (2 g)

for decoration: Strawberries 2; Mint to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Panna cotta with agar agar

To make the strawberry panna cotta, start by washing the strawberries under plenty of fresh running water; slice about half of them 1, place them on a large enough plate side by side, sprinkle them with 20 g of sugar, and let them macerate 2. Pour the remaining strawberries into a blender with blades and add 30 g of sugar 3.

Blend the strawberries finely 4, then pass them through a sieve, using a spatula 5, to remove the seeds, then set the mixture aside 6.

In a pot, pour in the fresh cream along with the sugar 7 and add the agar agar 8; stirring with a whisk, bring to a boil and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the strawberry mixture you prepared 9.

Mix with the whisk 10 until you get a homogeneous mixture. At this point, line 4 glasses with a capacity of 5 oz with the previously sliced strawberries 11 and pour in the panna cotta, filling to the brim 12.

Place the glasses in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. Afterwards, gently run the tip of a smooth knife along the edge of each glass 13 and invert your strawberry panna cotta with agar agar onto the serving plate 14. Finally, decorate as desired with a strawberry and a mint leaf 15.