Popcorn In Your Panna Cotta? Chef Rukhsaar Sayeed’s Creamy & Cruncy Dessert Is A Recipe You Didn’t Know You Needed

We only need a rich, comforting dessert to lift our spirits whenever we are feeling down! And the next time it happens, count on a Panna Cotta with Popcorn Flavour, an innovative dish by Chef Rukhsaar Sayeed that turns a childhood favourite—popcorn—into a creamy Italian dessert. This extraordinary take on panna cotta is fun to eat and blends simple flavours with unexpected textures. With no gelatin, agar agar, or eggs, this dish is remarkably simple and perfect for you to try at home. Read on for the delicious recipe!

Chef Rukhsaar Sayeed’s Delicious Popcorn Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is already a showstopper on its own with its smooth, velvety texture. But when combined with popcorn, it takes on a whole new dimension of flavour. What makes this dish even more unique is the lack of gelatin, agar agar, or eggs, which usually dominate traditional recipes. However, this lighter version simply doesn’t compromise on flavour. Paired with a vibrant strawberry sauce, the result is a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Also Read: Couturier Varun Bahl’s Luxurious New Café Fleur In Mehrauli Brings You Seasonal Dishes, Gourmet Coffee, And Floral-Inspired Desserts!

The Ultimate Dessert Recipe For You

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup popcorn (for infusing the milk)
• 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 2 tbsp. sugar (for the strawberry sauce)
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 cup popcorn (for caramelised topping)
• 1/2 cup sugar (for caramelising)
• 2 tbsp. butter

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and sugar, and heat over medium until the mixture is just warm. Add in the popcorn and let it cook for 5 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat and allow it to steep for 15–20 minutes. Next, strain the mixture to remove the popcorn.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornflour with 1/4 cup of the infused milk to create a slurry.
4. Add the remaining infused milk to a saucepan and heat gently. Slowly whisk in the cornflour slurry while stirring constantly.
5. Continue cooking on low heat until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, and bubbles begin to form.
6. After it has thickened, turn off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour the mixture into serving glasses or moulds and let it cool slightly. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours to allow the panna cotta to set and become firm.
8. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and fresh strawberries to a saucepan. Cook until the strawberries are broken down and the mixture has thickened.
9. Melt some sugar in a pan over low heat until it turns golden. Quickly stir in butter, then toss the popcorn in the caramel mixture until it’s well coated.
10. Spread the caramelised popcorn on parchment paper and allow it to cool, giving you a crunchy, sweet topping.
11. Once the panna cotta has set, top it with a generous drizzle of the strawberry sauce. Garnish with the freshly made caramelised popcorn.

Serve and enjoy this creamy, popcorn-infused dessert that promises to delight with every spoonful.

Cover Image Courtesy: Rukhsaar Sayeed/Instagram