Rosewater Panna Cotta

What is Ramadan without a dessert or two to enjoy after iftar?
 

For those of you who don't know, it is the Islamic month of Ramadan at the moment, and for one month Muslims all over the world fast (abstain from any food or drink) from dawn till sunset. As much as I love dessert, the problem I often have while fasting is that with such a limited time-frame to enjoy real food in the evening, I prefer to eat as little sugar as possible. Traditional Ramadan sweets tend to be rich, so I find those served in small portions can be enjoyed and still satisfy your sugar cravings. So this rosewater panna cotta is one of those desserts which is perfect for after iftar (the meal we break our fasts with).

 

Italian in origin, panna cotta is essentially a 'cooked cream', to which different fruits and flavours can be paired. Add rose water, and you have an easily adaptable Middle Eastern/Indian influenced version. It is an incredibly simple dessert, which comes together so quickly and easily, and yet looks like you've spent time and effort making it. All it requires is mixing together the ingredients, and then pouring into serving dishes to refrigerate.

 

Creamy and smooth, the hint of rose in this is delicate on the tongue. Its a lovely cool dessert to enjoy during these warm months, and perfectly apt to serve if you have guests around for iftar.

Just top with rose petals, or even fruit for an elegant touch!

 

Rosewater Panna Cotta

Taken from Indian Simmer

 

Makes 3-4 servings

 

1 cup heavy cream

2 tblspn sugar

1 tspn unflavored gelatin

1 tblspn cold water

1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

3 tspn rosewater

Few drops pink food coloring

 

Simmer together the cream and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar has melted. In a bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water to soften. Add the cream and sugar mixture to the bowl, and stir together. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well until smooth. Strain the mixture and pour into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours until set. Serve as is, or if preferred, dip the glasses in warm water for a few seconds to soften, then run a sharp knife around the edge of the panna cotta to loosen. Gently turn upside down onto a serving plate to remove the panna cotta. Decorate with rose petals or pair with fruit such as berries.