Lemon-Basil Panna Cotta with Balsamic Glaze

A light and refreshing Italian dessert infused with bright lemon and fragrant basil, topped with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect after a pasta salad or any light Mediterranean meal.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes + 4 hours chilling

Calories

425 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£1.21/serving

Season:

🌍 Year-round

Meal Type:

Lunch•Dinner•Dessert•Salad

Cuisine:

Italian•Mediterranean

Main Ingredient:

Pasta

Dietary:

Gluten-Free

Mood:

Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

2cupsHeavy Cream(Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)

£2.50

0.5cupWhole Milk

£0.30

0.3cupGranulated Sugar(Adjust to taste)

£0.20

1teaspoonGelatin Powder(Unflavored)

£0.15

2tablespoonsCold Water(For blooming the gelatin)

1tablespoonLemon Zest(From about 1 lemon)

£0.20

1tablespoonLemon Juice(Freshly squeezed)

£0.15

10leavesFresh Basil(Finely chopped)

£0.75

4tablespoonsBalsamic Glaze(Store-bought or homemade)

£0.60

Total Cost

£4.85

£1.21 per serving

Instructions

1.
Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften (bloom).
2.
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just simmering (do not boil).
3.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
4.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Stir to combine.
5.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or measuring cup to remove any undissolved gelatin or large pieces of basil.
6.
Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into four ramekins or small glasses.
7.
Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface of the panna cotta to prevent a skin from forming.
8.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.
9.
To serve, run a thin knife around the edge of each panna cotta to loosen it from the ramekin. Invert onto a plate. If it doesn't release easily, dip the bottom of the ramekin briefly in warm water.
10.
Drizzle each panna cotta with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (150g)

425 kcal / 1778 kJ

Carbs

24g

9% of RDA

Fat

35g

50% of RDA

Protein

6% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

0 g

Sugar

23 g

26% of RDA

Sodium

40 mg

2% of RDA

Saturated Fat

22 g

110% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use full-fat heavy cream.

Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener.

If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a few fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Cooking Equipment

Saucepan

Whisk

4 ramekins or small glasses

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Main Course

Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

A flavorful and colorful pasta salad featuring roasted Mediterranean vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and a light lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a light yet satisfying Italian lunch.

55 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"Pairs perfectly with this dessert"

Starter

Whipped Feta with Roasted Red Pepper and Pita

A creamy, tangy whipped feta dip topped with sweet roasted red peppers, perfect for serving with warm pita bread. Pairs wonderfully with a Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Vegetables.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"The whipped feta provides a light and airy counterpoint to the pasta salad's heartier texture, while the roasted red pepper echoes the roasted vegetables. The creamy, slightly tangy feta also harmonizes beautifully with the goat cheese, creating a cohesive Mediterranean flavor profile."

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Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use full-fat heavy cream.

Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener.

If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a few fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Lemon-Basil Panna Cotta with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

Instructions