Description
Indulge in the luxurious combination of creamy Parmesan panna cotta topped with elegant balsamic caviar pearls, a sophisticated appetizer that marries savory and sweet flavors in a delightful molecular gastronomy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Parmesan Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (2½ teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Balsamic Caviar Pearls:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil (chilled in freezer for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Make the Parmesan Panna Cotta: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, salt, and white pepper. Heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids. Return mixture to the pan over low heat, stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Pour into ramekins or silicone molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Make the Balsamic Caviar Pearls: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and agar-agar powder. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 2 minutes). Using a dropper or syringe, carefully drop the balsamic mixture into the chilled vegetable oil—small pearls will form instantly. Strain pearls using a fine sieve and rinse gently with cold water.
- Assemble and Serve: Unmold the panna cotta onto serving plates. Spoon balsamic pearls over or around the panna cotta. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, reduce Parmesan to ¾ cup.
- You can prepare the balsamic pearls a day ahead and store them in a bit of balsamic vinegar until ready to use.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crostini or fresh microgreens for a savory appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling and Molecular Gastronomy
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panna cotta with pearls
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
