Chef John's Buttermilk Panna Cotta

This is so perfect in the summer--all that amazing seasonal fruit gives you the perfect reason…excuse…to make these easy treats. If you start your panna cotta the day before, this classic Italian recipe is about as simple as it gets.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Calories: 315 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
• 3 strips lemon peel
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 2.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 0.125 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 pinch kosher salt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water; stir and let sit 5 or 10 minutes until it thickens and becomes rubbery.

Step 2

Pour heavy cream into a saucepan. Whisk in sugar. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture just barely starts to simmer, 3 to 5 minutes. Add lemon peel as mixture is coming up to temperature. As small bubbles begin to appear here and there, remove pan from heat. Add tiny pinch of salt, vanilla, and bloomed gelatin. Whisk until gelatin melts into the cream mixture. Add buttermilk and lemon juice; whisk until blended.

Step 3

Strain through fine sieve to remove zest and any lumps. Pour into serving dishes or ramekins. Allow to cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 5 hours or, ideally, overnight.