Chai Panna Cotta

History and Background

Chai Panna Cotta is a modern twist on the classic Italian dessert known as Panna Cotta. While traditional Panna Cotta is a creamy, lightly sweetened gelatin dessert that hails from the Piedmont region of Italy, the infusion of chai spices adds a new dimension. Chai, originally from India, is a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. This fusion of Italian creaminess and Indian spice results in a dessert that is both exotic and comforting, reflecting globalization in culinary practices.

Ingredients

• Heavy Cream - 2 cups
• Whole Milk - 1/2 cup
• Granulated Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Gelatin - 2 1/4 teaspoons
• Water - 3 tablespoons (for blooming gelatin)
• Chai Tea Leaves - 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon Stick - 1 piece
• Cardamom Pods - 5 pods
• Fresh Ginger - 1 inch, sliced
• Cloves - 4 whole cloves
• Black Peppercorns - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - pinch

Preparation

To create this delightful Chai Panna Cotta, start by preparing the ingredients. Begin by gathering the chai tea leaves, fresh ginger, and opening up the cardamom pods. This ensures that the flavors fully infuse into the cream mixture.

Steps to Infuse Chai Flavors

1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger slices, and black peppercorns.
2. Steep the mixture over medium heat just until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil to preserve the subtle flavors.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chai tea leaves.
4. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it steep for about 10-15 minutes depending on the desired strength of spices.

Blooming the Gelatin

While waiting for the chai flavors to infuse, prepare the gelatin by blooming it. This process involves:

1. Sprinkling the gelatin over water in a small bowl.
2. Letting it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the water and soften.

Combining Ingredients

1. Strain the chai-infused cream to remove the spices. Return the liquid to the saucepan and add the granulated sugar, stirring until dissolved.
2. Add the bloomed gelatin and the vanilla extract. Stir until the gelatin fully dissolves.
3. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Cooling and Setting

1. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or mold it in a large dish, as desired.
2. Allow it to come to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate it until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Enjoying Your Chai Panna Cotta

Once your Chai Panna Cotta has set in the fridge, it’s ready to be served. You can enjoy this dessert on its own or add toppings such as a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Serve chilled and savor the creamy texture combined with the rich aroma of spices.

For those who are keen on presentation, demold the dessert plate and garnish it with a small sprig of mint or edible flowers to elevate its appearance. . Remember, like any culinary delight, the enjoyment of your dessert begins from the visual aspect before the flavor sensation.