Vegan Panna Cotta with Strawberry-Basil Compote

This vegan panna cotta is the recipe you’ve been waiting for: quick, refreshing and simple!


Paracetamol, a lit candle, a cozy blanket and a hot drink: welcome to the October starter kit.

Today — as I write this — it’s October 2nd and we can safely say autumn has arrived. Here in northern Italy the temperature dropped about 10 degrees in the last few days, and I caught a small cold.

I could have done without the paracetamol, but at least I can stay warm under my blanket holding a chamomile tea in my hands. Very hyggelig.

You might expect an autumnal recipe today, but that’s not the case. Last week I posted a Babka with apples (it was a big hit — thank you!), and today…

Vegan coconut panna cotta

panna cotta vegana

Today I’m sharing this gently sweet vegan coconut panna cotta.

Can you believe it’s been a year since I first tested this recipe? Last time I tried it with boxed coconut milk and it turned out bland and disappointing, so I gave up for a while. A few weeks ago I saw some beautiful photos on Pinterest and decided to give it another go.

Result: a perfectly balanced vegan panna cotta with an ideal texture and flavour. The finishing touch? A simple strawberry and basil compote.

A touch of summer

I served the panna cotta with a bright strawberry and basil compote. It’s quick, easy and delicious — great on porridge or as a spread for tarts too.

I know strawberries and basil aren’t typical autumn ingredients, but I had frozen strawberries from the summer and basil still thriving in the garden, so I used what I had. A little basil became pesto and a little went into this compote — I couldn’t let it wilt with the first frost.

panna cotta vegana

panna cotta vegana

PANNA COTTA VEGANA

Delicious, simple and quick: vegan panna cotta with strawberry and basil compote.
Preparation:
3
Cooking:
15
In fridge:
2
Total time:
18
Servings:
6 small

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ teaspoon Agar agar powder
  • 10 teaspoons Water
  • 400 ml Canned coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon (or a little more) Agave syrup (or honey if not strictly vegan)
  • a few drops Vanilla extract (optional)
For the strawberry compote:
  • 215 g Frozen strawberries
  • 50 g Water
  • ¼ Lemon (zest)
  • 2–3 leaves Basil
  • 1 tablespoon Whole cane sugar

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the agar agar powder with the water, stirring to avoid lumps. Add half of the coconut milk (200 g) and mix.
  • Pour the coconut milk–agar mix into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the remaining coconut milk, agave syrup and vanilla.
  • Simmer gently for about 5 minutes over low heat.
  • Pour the mixture into molds, small cups or ramekins. Let cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Note: slight separation of the coconut milk is normal.
For the strawberry compote:
  • In a pan, thaw the frozen strawberries over low heat with the water.
  • Add the lemon zest, chiffonade basil (thinly sliced) and sugar.
  • Simmer until the mixture becomes syrupy.
  • Serve the chilled panna cotta topped with the warm or cooled strawberry and basil compote.

Tried this recipe?
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