Lemongrass Panna Cotta
Share
- ✉
-
Author Notes: I've fallen in love with the flavor of lemongrass. I wanted to make a panna cotta for a large buffet-style dessert spread. Not knowing how warm it would be on the day of the party, I decided to use agar agar to thicken it. Agar agar will remain a lovely texture at temperatures that would liquify gelatin. I served it with a rhubarb raspberry compote (adapted from an Epicurious recipe for Rhubarb and Ginger Brioche Bread Pudding.) It was a success, and one of the first desserts to disappear at the party.
While panna cotta may seem like a crazy picnic option, the agar agar will hold up at warmer temperatures (you can literally heat it up in a 350º oven for several minutes to warm it, and it will stay firm.) Using a cute ramekin or a disposable plastic wine glass makes for a cute presentation. You can serve it plain or add some fresh or macerated seasonal fruit or a coulis for a light and elegant end to a romantic picnic supper. - hardlikearmour
Makes 8 4-oz servings
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 cups heavy cream, divided
- 2 stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced
- 2 & 1/8th teaspoons agar agar powder
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- pinch salt
- Combine milk, 2 cups heavy cream, and lemongrass in a medium saucepan. Heat on low for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse the lemongrass flavor into the liquid. Stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile combine remaining cup of heavy cream and agar agar powder in a glass measure. Allow mixture to rest while the lemongrass mixture is heating.
- Add agar agar mixture, sugar, and salt to the lemongrass mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and heat to 170º F, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and when temperature has reduced to 120º F strain out the lemongrass, and pour the panna cotta into individual ramekins. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.
- Serve as is, or top with berry coulis or rhubarb compote.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Picnic Dish
Tags: can be made ahead, Vegetarian
More Great Recipes
Share a Recipe
Enter one of our contests, or share that great thing you made for dinner last night.
Add a Recipe
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
I have never used agar agar, love panna cotta and lemon grass. It has to be wonderful!
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
its Tailormade for pannacotta. I have a Pannacotta (with Indian flavors) recipe out here on Food52 which uses agar if you're interested. (Being vegetarian, I avoid gelatin)
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Thank you panfusine, I rarely make panna cotta because I don't like gelatin. I have to research where to find this and would love making your recipe.
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Thanks! I started playing with agar agar after a friend sent me an article with savory panna cotta. It's more forgiving than the gelatin IME & vegetarian which is appealing to lots of people. I will have to check out your recipe, Panfusine! I love Indian flavors.
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Dont you just LOVE agar?? its soo versatile!
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
I do love it! It's wonderful stuff.
almost 2 years ago Sagegreen
This sounds wonderful. Since I don't live by Irish moss anymore, I will have to try out agar agar.
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
I've become a big fan of agar agar - it sets up well w/o becoming rubbery, and holds up at higher temperatures (you can even warm it in a 350º oven for a few minutes.)
almost 2 years ago Couldn't Be Parve
This looks absolutely delicious!
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Thanks! I have fallen in love with the flavor of lemongrass.
almost 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Sounds wonderful! Putting agar agar on the shopping list.
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
you can find the powdered stuff at Asian markets. The flaked stuff you can find at Whole Foods - I'd pulverize it before using as it takes a LONG time to dissolve.