Valentine's Day: Chef Akash's Rose Panna Cotta To Play Cupid
Image Credit: Rose Panna Cotta, Welcomhotel Sheraton, New Delhi

Valentine's Day reminds us of red flowers and food. For example, red roses are synonymous with Valentine's Day. Chef Akash Khandelwal, Sous Chef – Pastry & Bakery, Welcomhotel Sheraton, New Delhi, suggests why not make something sweet using these blooms? "How about preparing an easy-to-do rose panna cotta for your beloved?" According to him, ingredients that are always hit for Valentine's Day are fleshy red strawberries, chocolate and roses.

No wonder he chooses to share the recipe for Rose Panna Cotta. Explaining the reason behind this particular pick, he articulates, "The colour and flavour of it are enough to set the mood for a romantic date night with your significant other. This recipe will win over anyone's heart on Cupid's big day." Does this day serve as an occasion to exhibit his creativity in cooking food and drinks? His answer says it all, "Valentine's Day gives a great opportunity to remind your loved ones just how much you care. It might not be the same on any other day. Love is defined by food and drinks, and it's the best time to explore the delicacies."

Chef Akash also shares his take on how desserts play a notable role during special celebrations like V' Day. Relishing a dessert or a sweet creation with your loved one will undoubtedly strengthen your bond. Desserts lift your spirits and eventually make you and your partner feel joyful. What does Valentine's Day denote to Chef Akash? "For me, it means enjoying a cinnamon sugar doughnut or a heart-shaped cookie with coffee while holding hands, followed by a romantic meal at a restaurant with a thematic setting." Pretty simple, yet romantic right? Now, let's learn how to say those three magical words with this rose panna cotta. 

Rose Panna Cotta 

Ingredients

  • 600ml whipping cream 
  • 50g water
  • 8g (2 tsp) gelatin powder 
  • 80gm sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract 
  • 2.5 tsp 100% natural rosewater 
  • Red food colouring
  • Edible rose petals  

Decadent rose panna cotta, Image Source: Welcomhotel Sheraton, New Delhi

Method

  • Start by sprinkling gelatin over the water in a small bowl and stir with a fork - set it aside to bloom for a couple of minutes.
  • Meanwhile, warm up the cream over medium heat without letting it boil.
  • Using a manual balloon whisk, incorporate the bloomed gelatin
  • and continue to heat the mixture on a medium-high setting until it begins to foam; at this point, lower the heat and allow it to gently simmer for 30 seconds.
  • Now move the pot away from the heat source, add the sugar, and let the 'cooked cream' cool for 15 minutes.
  • Transfer half of the liquid panna cotta into a jug or similar and add rosewater - 1 teaspoon at a time (*see recipe notes below); stir in a tiny bit of red food colouring, then leave until barely warm.
  • Divide the rosewater panna cotta between 6 small tumbler glasses (ideally 150-175ml capacity) and place them in the fridge, ideally in the coldest part and leave it for an hour or so to set.
  • Add vanilla to the remaining half of the panna cotta and pour it over the set rosewater layers.
  • Chill until firm (4 hours minimum).

When you're ready to serve, garnish with a sprinkle of edible rose petals.

Celebrate your Valentine's Day with this Rose Panna Cotta by Chef Akash. It's time to add sweetness to your relationship.