Paan Panna Cotta: A Refreshing Indian-Inspired Dessert
4 hours 20 minutes
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About Paan Panna Cotta: A Refreshing Indian-Inspired Dessert
Indulge in the unexpected: Paan Panna Cotta, a captivating dessert where Italian elegance meets the aromatic allure of India. Imagine the creamy richness of classic panna cotta infused with the refreshing essence of betel leaf and a whisper of warming masala.This vegetarian delight, crafted with cornstarch for a luxuriously smooth texture, is surprisingly simple to make. The vibrant paan flavor dances on the palate, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.Perfect for any celebration or a quiet evening in, this unique dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook4 hours
Total4 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
Panna Cotta Base
- 1 cup Milk
- 100 gm Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Caster Sugar
- 2 tsp Corn Flour
Paan Flavor
- 1 Betel Leaf paan ka patta
- 1 tsp Paan Masala wet masala from a paan shop is recommended.
- ½ tsp Gulkand
Garnish
- 1 ½ strands Saffron optional
- Colored Fennel Seeds & Supari betel nut, optional, as needed, sweet
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the caster sugar and stir until it's fully dissolved. Heating the mixture gently ensures the sugar dissolves completely and prevents scorching.
- Meanwhile, finely grind the betel leaf, paan masala, and gulkand together. This creates a smooth paste that infuses the panna cotta with the distinct paan flavor.
- Add the ground paan mixture to the simmering milk and cream. Stir well to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the panna cotta.
- Slowly drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the simmering panna cotta mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the panna cotta cool slightly.
- Lightly grease individual molds or ramekins with a little oil. This will help with the unmolding process later.
- Pour the panna cotta mixture into the prepared molds. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours, or until set. For quicker results, freeze for 2 hours.
- Once set, gently demold the panna cotta onto serving plates. Garnish with saffron strands, colored fennel seeds, and sweet supari, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For a more intense paan flavor, blend the betel leaves with a splash of milk before straining and adding to the cream mixture; this releases more aromatic oils compared to simply infusing the leaves whole.
- If you enjoy texture contrasts, sprinkle finely chopped candied fennel seeds or roasted coconut on top just before serving for an added crunch that complements the creamy pannacotta.
- To create elegant single-serve portions, pour the mixture into small kulhad-style clay cups or silicone molds—unmold onto plates and garnish with gulkand and edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive Indian presentation.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the sweetness of the pannacotta to your liking by adding more or less sugar to the cream mixture. Keep in mind that the gulkand garnish will also add sweetness.
- If you cannot find fresh betel leaves, you can substitute with a high-quality paan extract or essence. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as these extracts can be potent.
- For a visually appealing presentation, layer the pannacotta with a contrasting color, such as a bright mango puree or a vibrant raspberry coulis.
Storage Instructions
- This dessert can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
- Garnish with fresh toppings just before serving to maintain the crunch and color of the garnishes.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSugar: 56g
5 Comments
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What a flavorful dish! Thanks for sharing.
This is wonderful! Can’t wait to taste it.
This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to cook it.
This is exactly what I was looking for!
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.