Name: Honey Cardamom Panna Cotta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1/3 cup raw honey; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder; 4 pcs cardamom pods, crushed; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp cold water (for gelatin blooming)

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Introduction

Honey Cardamom Panna Cotta is a silky, fragrant dessert that combines the delicate creaminess of panna cotta with the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom and honey. This elegant yet simple treat is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sophisticated homemade dessert.

A clear glass container with a short, round shape holds a two-layer dessert. The bottom layer is a smooth, creamy white base, topped by a thinner, shiny golden yellow layer. The top is sprinkled with a dusting of brown powder, likely cinnamon. Behind the glass, there are two half slices of bright orange fruit placed on a white plate, along with a few whole cardamom pods scattered to the side. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft, natural light highlighting the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk

1/3 cup raw honey
1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
4 cardamom pods, crushed

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, honey, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods. Stir gently and warm the mixture until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Do not boil.

Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until it dissolves completely, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cardamom pods and any solids for a smooth texture.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into serving glasses or molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.

Step 6: Serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh fruit or a light drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk.
Add a pinch of saffron along with the cardamom pods for a luxurious twist.

If you prefer a firmer set, increase gelatin to 2 1/2 teaspoons.
Use a honey flavor you love, as it greatly influences the dessert’s aroma.

Storage

Store panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the smooth texture. To re-serve, simply bring it out and serve cold; reheating is not recommended as it will affect the consistency.

How to Serve

The image shows two clear glass cups of panna cotta dessert placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface. Each cup has three visible layers: a bottom amber honey layer, a thick middle white creamy panna cotta layer, and a thin top layer sprinkled with brown cardamom powder or topped with whole green cardamom pods. Around the plates are thin orange slices adding a fresh look, and in one image, a woman's hand is slightly touching the plate. The contrast between the smooth creamy white layer and the golden honey layer gives the dessert a delicate, elegant appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?

Gelatin is essential for setting panna cotta to its creamy, firm texture. As an alternative, you can use agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent, but the texture and setting time will vary.

How do I crush cardamom pods?

Place the cardamom pods in a mortar and gently crush with a pestle or use the back of a spoon or a rolling pin to press them until broken. This helps release the aromatic seeds inside.