Ginger Pear Panna Cotta: A Creamy Italian Dessert with a Kick

There's something just so wonderful about the way desserts tell their stories, sometimes balancing comfort with creativity. Think of a dessert that's not too sweet yet indulgently creamy and with a surprising zing to awaken your palate. Ginger Pear Panna Cotta is just that—a combination of silky richness from cream and the warmth of ginger and the natural sweetness of pears.

This dessert, perfect for Indian food, presents a new and exciting spin, combining the rustic allure of ripened pears with the zing of ginger. Italian panna cotta is a classic recipe transformed to be bold for a taste adventurer. Whether having dinner parties or practicing self-love, this dessert adds elegance with the least effort. Let's get to the recipe and explore various creative ways to plate and experiment with this classic.

Recipe for Ginger Pear Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

For the Panna Cotta:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp powdered gelatin
• 3 tbsp water

For the Ginger Pear Compote:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Method:

• Sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it bloom for 5–7 minutes.
• Combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low and stir until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
• Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until it's dissolved completely.
• Pour the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or until set.
• In a saucepan, combine the chopped pears, grated ginger, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Add cinnamon if desired.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears soften, and the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes).
• Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
• When the panna cotta is set, place the cooled ginger pear compote over each serving.
• Finish with a few thin slices of fresh pear or a scattering of candied ginger

How to Plate Them

• Serve in Layers: Using clear glasses or tumblers serves as a great way to highlight the layers of panna cotta and compote. Add a swirl of whipped cream on top to give it a touch of elegance.
• Elegant Ramekins: Serve ramekin style by inverting the panna cotta onto dessert plates and spooning the compote artfully around it.
• Garnish for Wow: Use a sprig of fresh mint, a wafer biscuit, or caramelized sugar shards for a restaurant quality finish.
• Pairing: Serve alongside a warm mug of ginger tea or chilled dessert wine for an elevated touch.

5 Other Flavours to Try with Pear Panna Cotta

Cardamom and Pear

Cardamom adds a fragrant earthy note that goes so beautifully with the natural sweetness of pears. Crush the pods and infuse them in the cream mixture while it's heating. Strain before adding the gelatin. Serve with a pear compote spiced with cardamom and a sprinkle of pistachios for that Middle Eastern feel.

Chocolate and Pear

The decadence for the chocolate lover. Make this one a chocolate panna cotta by adding melted dark chocolate to your cream mixture. Serve this with caramelized pear slices or drizzled with chocolate sauce. This combination of flavors works equally well for adults and kids.

Honey and Thyme

To add a floral and herbaceous taste, add fresh thyme sprigs and honey to the panna cotta base. Honey-glazed pears topped with a small sprig of thyme make great accompaniments to this. This is very suitable for elegant dinner parties with sophisticated flavors.

Almond and Pear

For a nutty dimension, substitute some of the heavy cream with almond milk and add a dash of almond extract. Top with roasted pear slices and a sprinkle of slivered almonds. This variation is lighter and perfect for those who enjoy subtle, nutty flavors.

Spiced Pear with Star Anise and Clove

Infuse the cream mixture with whole star anise and cloves for a warm, spiced flavor profile. Pair it with a spiced pear compote made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This variation is great for festive occasions and pairs well with hot beverages like masala chai.