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Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Mango Compote

4.2

(3)

This comes off as a classic panna cotta, but agar—a thickener made from seaweed—gives it a light mouthfeel; it dissolves on the tongue almost instantly. Slices of mango in citrus syrup enliven the flavors.

Cooks' note:

Panna cotta and mangoes in syrup can be made 2 days ahead and chilled separately.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 vanilla bean (preferably Tahitian), split lengthwise
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
6 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 teaspoon agar flakes (preferably Eden brand)
2 (3/4-pound) mangoes
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Equipment:

4 (5- to 6-ounces) glasses or ramekins

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Using a paring knife, scrape vanilla seeds from pod into a 1 1/2- to 2-quarts heavy saucepan, then add pod, milk, cream, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil. Whisk in agar and simmer, whisking, until completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Discard pod. Cool panna cotta slightly. Pour into glasses and chill until set, at least 2 hours.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, peel mangoes and thinly slice.

    Step 3

    Bring water, juices, and remaining 3 tablespoon sugar to a simmer in cleaned saucepan, whisking until sugar has dissolved. Pour over mangoes in a bowl and macerate until ready to use. Serve panna cotta with mangoes.

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