Paan Panna Cotta Recipe

When it comes to making a Holi fusion recipe, the pairing of Thandai and Gulkand is the most traditional combination that immediately comes to my mind.

Something so heavenly that it absolutely melts in your mouth and instantly entrances anybody who takes, even one bite of it. Does this sound yummy?

Well then, I have the perfect recipe for you – a betel leaf-inspired, “Paan” panna cotta that combines the two favorites – thandai and gulkand for maximum flavor and texture.

Take a bite of this rich and creamy panna cotta, and it’s all bliss!

What is Panna Cotta

Panna cotta translates to “cooked cream” in Italian. It is truly a great Italian dessert that requires a few essential ingredients ( heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla) to make this creamy and silky pudding. 

Making the perfect Panna Cotta is all about achieving the proper consistency and texture— it should be

• Silky,
• Creamy,
• Has a melt-in-mouth smooth texture, and
• Just firm.

What Makes up this Panna Cotta Recipe

This panna cotta recipe comes together with 10 simple ingredients. Here is what you’ll need –  

• Heavy whipping cream + Milk –  that forms the base of this recipe
• Agar-Agar powder – a thickening agent that helps to set panna cotta. It also gives panna cotta a custard-like consistency. 
• Sugar – to sweeten panna cotta

Betel leaf mix – the star ingredient- it brings out the flavor in this panna cotta.

• Betel leaf is also known as paan leaf
• Fennel seeds
• Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam)
• Thandai Powder

How to make Paan Panna Cotta

1. Pour 3/4 cup milk in a bowl.

2. Add agar-Agar powder to the milk. Mix to combine. Let it rest for 7-8 minutes. 

3. Assemble the paan ingredients – paan leaves, fennel seeds, Gulkand (rose petal jam), and Thandai powder.

4. Transfer the paan ingredients to a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Do not add more. 

5. Blend until smooth. 

6. Strain the paan mix through a fine strainer.

7. Set aside.

8. Meanwhile, add cream and the remaining 1/4 cup milk to a pan. Allow it to simmer. 

9. Add sugar.

10. Whisk constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and mixed in properly.

11. Stir in agar-agar mixture. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes until agar-agar is fully dissolved. 

12. Pour in the paan mixture.

13. Continue stirring until the cream is steaming (do not boil).

14. Remove from heat and let it cool 5 minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine strainer.

15. Lightly grease your ramekins or molds. Pour the mixture into 4 ramekins or bowls. Allow the panna cotta to sit at room temperature for 3-4 minutes before refrigerating. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate. 

16. Refrigerate and allow it to set for at least 5 hours.

TIP- To unmold the paan panna cotta, place the cups (in which panna cotta is set) in lukewarm water for 2-3 minutes.

17. Carefully loosen the sides of the mold with a knife. Be careful not to cut through the Panna cotta. Invert the mold over a plate. Gently pat on top of the mold and jiggle it, paan panna cotta will slip out easily.

18. Garnish with thandai powder, saffron strands, and cherry.

19. Spoon rose syrup all around the panna cotta and serve.

20. Grab your spoon and let’s dig in.

Cooking Tips to make the best Panna Cotta

Working with agar-agar

» For a perfect paan panna cotta, agar-agar needs to ‘bloom’ or re-hydrate in the liquid first. 

» To activate agar-agar, simmer it for 4-5 minutes only. Simmering it for long will turn the pannacotta rubbery in texture. 

» The best part about agar-agar is that it starts to sets very quickly, even at room temperature. 

» Depending on your area, agar-agar may be sold in flakes. In that case, 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder equals 1 tablespoon of agar-agar flakes or 1/3 cup agar strands.

» Whatever mold or ramekins you are using to set betel leaf panna cotta, always grease it first, if using agar-agar. Agar-agar will not slide out easily the way gelatin does. 

FAQ’s to make the best Panna Cotta

» Can you omit agar-agar from the recipe? Unfortunately, you cannot. Without agar-agar, paan panna cotta won’t set. 

» Can you freeze paan Panna Cotta? Yes, you can! Panna Cotta stores well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Leave it overnight in the fridge to thaw thoroughly before serving.

» Other ways to dress up your paan panna cotta! You can top paan panna cotta with

• Homemade strawberry sauce
• Chocolate syrup
• Cherry compote
• Rose Petal compote

» Is there a lighter version of Paan panna cotta? There sure is! If you wish to make a lighter panna cotta, you can replace milk with cream. Meaning you can use 1 cup of cream and 1.5 cups of milk. 

Let me know in the comments if you try this Paan Panna Cotta recipe. Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries, and I would be happy to answer them.

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