Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cardamom as I stirred the creamy mixture for my latest creation: Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears. This lovely dessert embodies sophistication while being surprisingly easy to whip up; it’s a delightful choice whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. The silky panna cotta, infused with the exotic spice of cardamom, perfectly pairs with tender, wine-poached pears, creating a blissful balance of flavors. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to savor the moment. Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and impress your loved ones with this stunning treat? Let’s dive in! Why choose Cardamom Panna Cotta? Sophistication: This elegant dessert elevates any occasion, impressing guests with its stunning presentation and intricate flavors. Aromatic Delight: Infused with warm cardamom, every bite transports you to a cozy, fragrant kitchen, making it comforting yet refined. Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent without the hassle. Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy schedules—prep it a day ahead for a stress-free hosting experience. Versatile Flavor Pairing: Serve it with not only poached pears but also seasonal fruits, allowing you to explore different taste profiles. For more unique dessert ideas, check out my Bowl Tahini Yogurt or try the delightful flavors of Korean Ramen Grilled. Cardamom Panna Cotta Ingredients For the Panna Cotta Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess; Alternative: Use half-and-half for a lighter version. Sugar – Sweetens the panna cotta; Substitution: Use honey or a sugar alternative for lower-calorie options. Cardamom Pods – Provides fragrant, warm spice; Substitution: 1.5 teaspoons of ground cardamom can be used. Gelatin Powder – Provides structure for the panna cotta; Substitution: 3 gelatin sheets can replace the powder; follow standard blooming instructions. For the Poached Pears White Wine – Offers acidity and complements the poached pears; Substitution: Apple juice can be used for a non-alcoholic option. Pears – Serve as a sweet and elegant topping; Note: Any firm variety of pear works well for poaching. For Garnishing Mint or Lemon Zest – Adds a refreshing touch and visual appeal; Helps to brighten the dish and enhance presentation. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears Step 1: Prepare the Panna Cotta Mixture In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, ½ cup of sugar, and 4 crushed cardamom pods. Heat over medium until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer but does not boil, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of bloomed gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved. Step 2: Strain and Cool the Mixture To ensure a silky texture in your Cardamom Panna Cotta, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl to catch the cardamom pods. Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes, which helps in evenly distributing flavors without cooking the serving glasses. Step 3: Set the Panna Cotta Carefully pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is set and slightly firm to the touch. This cooling step is vital for achieving that perfect creamy texture. Step 4: Prepare the Poached Pears In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of white wine and ¼ cup of sugar, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Peel and core 2 firm pears, then add them to the simmering mixture. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pears are tender but still hold their shape, then remove from heat and let cool in the poaching liquid. Step 5: Serve the Panna Cotta Once the panna cotta is fully set, remove it from the refrigerator. Top each glass with a poached pear, ensuring some of the aromatic poaching liquid drizzles over for added flavor. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a twist of lemon zest for a touch of freshness and visual appeal, making your Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears truly elegant. Expert Tips for Cardamom Panna Cotta Straining Matters: Always strain the mixture before pouring into glasses. This removes the cardamom pods and ensures a silky-smooth texture for your Cardamom Panna Cotta. Gelatin Overview: Make sure your gelatin is fully dissolved in the warm mixture; otherwise, the panna cotta may not set properly, leaving you with a gooey mess. Chill for Success: Allow the panna cotta to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture. The longer you let it set, the creamier it becomes. Poaching Perfection: For perfectly poached pears, monitor their tenderness closely. Overcooking can make them mushy; you want them tender but still intact. Store Smartly: If you’re making this ahead of time, store poached pears in their liquid in the fridge. This keeps them juicy and flavorful until you’re ready to serve. Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this delicious dessert with these delightful twists! Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream to achieve a rich, tropical flavor that’s entirely plant-based. Flavored Panna Cotta: Experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for an aromatic depth that complements the cardamom beautifully. Fresh Fruit Toppings: Instead of poached pears, try topping with fresh berries or citrus segments for a bright, seasonal twist. Their tartness will balance the creaminess perfectly. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the panna cotta for a warming spice blast that brings a cozy appeal to your dessert. Nutty Addition: Fold in finely chopped pistachios or slivers of almonds into the panna cotta mixture for an unexpected crunch that enhances texture. Alternative Poaching Liquid: Use sweetened tea such as chai or green tea for poaching the pears, introducing a nuanced flavor profile that marries well with the cardamom. Herbal Notes: Infuse your panna cotta with a bit of fresh basil or mint for a refreshing herbal twist that cuts through the richness. This different angle will surely surprise and delight your guests! For more ideas on versatile dishes to create, check out my Herby Ricotta Stuffed peppers for a savory contrast, or indulge in a comforting bowl of Korean Ramen Grilled. How to Store and Freeze Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears Fridge: Keep the panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s airtight to maintain its creamy texture and prevent absorbing odors. Freezer: While not recommended for the panna cotta due to potential texture changes, poached pears can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure they are stored in their poaching liquid in a freezer-safe container. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Cardamom Panna Cotta a day ahead. After setting, cover and refrigerate to save time before your special occasion. Reheating: If you’ve stored poached pears, gently reheat them in their poaching liquid on low heat to restore warmth and flavor before serving. Make Ahead Options These Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears are perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions! You can prepare the panna cotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance, following the first three steps, and simply refrigerate it until set. The poached pears can also be made ahead, stored in their poaching liquid, and will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This ensures that when you’re ready to serve, you just need to plate the panna cotta and add the poached pears on top. To maintain quality, make sure to cover the panna cotta and pears tightly to prevent any flavor loss. Enjoy impressing your guests with this elegant dessert without the last-minute rush! What to Serve with Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears Indulging in this creamy, aromatic dessert invites the perfect pairing options to create a memorable meal experience. Vanilla Biscotti: These crunchy treats add a delightful textural contrast to the silky panna cotta, perfect for dipping while enjoying your dessert. Candied Nuts: A mix of sweet and salty nuts enhances the flavor harmony, offering an elegant bite that complements the creamy panna cotta. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or blueberries provide a vibrant, fresh contrast, balancing the rich flavors of cardamom and enhancing presentation. Mint-Infused Herbal Tea: The soothing notes of mint in warm tea harmonize beautifully with the dessert’s aromatic profile, rounding off the meal with tranquility. Citrus Sorbet: A light and refreshing sorbet can cleanse the palate and add a burst of flavor, making every bite of panna cotta shine even brighter. Chocolate Ganache Tart: For chocolate lovers, a small slice of tart adds depth and indulgence, creating a decadent dessert experience. Elevate your gathering by combining the elegance of Cardamom Panna Cotta with these fabulous accompaniments, ensuring every mouthful is as delightful as the last. Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears Recipe FAQs How do I choose the perfect pears for poaching? Absolutely! Select firm pears like Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape well during poaching. Look for pears that are slightly unripe—this ensures they stay intact and don’t become mushy. Avoid those with dark spots or softness. How should I store the Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears? You can keep the panna cotta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in airtight containers to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Can I freeze the Cardamom Panna Cotta? While I don’t recommend freezing the panna cotta as it may alter its silky texture, you can freeze poached pears for up to 2 months. To freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container along with their poaching liquid, ensuring they’re fully submerged. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. What should I do if my panna cotta doesn’t set? Very! If your panna cotta doesn’t set, it might be due to the gelatin not being fully dissolved. To remedy this, gently reheat the mixture, ensuring it’s warm enough for the gelatin to activate, then pour it back into glasses and let it set again in the fridge for at least another 4 hours. Are there any dietary considerations for this dessert? Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it uses gelatin, which some vegetarians might avoid. You can substitute gelatin with agar-agar for a plant-based option. Additionally, keep in mind any allergies related to dairy or specific fruits, and feel free to substitute ingredients like using almond milk for a lactose-free version. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! The Cardamom Panna Cotta can be prepared a day in advance. Just make sure it’s well-covered in the fridge. The poached pears can also be made ahead and can be stored in their poaching liquid to maintain moisture and flavor. This makes it perfect for stress-free entertaining! Creamy Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears for Elegant Nights No ratings yet A delightful Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears, perfect for elegant nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DessertCuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Panna Cotta2 cups Heavy Cream Alternative: Use half-and-half for a lighter version.½ cup Sugar Substitution: Use honey or a sugar alternative for lower-calorie options.4 whole Cardamom Pods Substitution: 1.5 teaspoons of ground cardamom can be used.1 tablespoon Gelatin Powder Substitution: 3 gelatin sheets can replace the powder; follow standard blooming instructions.For the Poached Pears1 cup White Wine Substitution: Apple juice can be used for a non-alcoholic option.2 whole Pears Note: Any firm variety of pear works well for poaching.For GarnishingMint or Lemon Zest Helps to brighten the dish and enhance presentation. Equipment Medium saucepanfine-mesh sieveMeasuring cupPlastic WrapServing glasses or ramekins Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved and mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle in bloomed gelatin, and stir until completely dissolved.Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl to catch the cardamom pods. Allow cooling slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes.Carefully pour the mixture into individual glasses, filling about three-quarters full. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.In a separate saucepan, combine white wine and sugar and bring to a gentle simmer. Peel and core the pears, then add them to the simmering mixture. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.Once panna cotta is set, remove from refrigerator. Top each glass with a poached pear and drizzle with poaching liquid. Garnish with mint or lemon zest. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 130mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.5mg NotesAlways strain the mixture before pouring into glasses for a silky texture. Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved for proper setting. Chill panna cotta for best results. Store poached pears in their liquid for optimal flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
