How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the panna cotta can be made a day ahead, but add the matcha sauce right before serving.

Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, substitute with half the amount of agar-agar and allow more setting time.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Substitute dairy with coconut milk and heavy cream, and replace gelatin with agar-agar.

Is there a gluten-free alternative?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure the matcha powder is certified gluten-free.

Japanese Black Sesame Panna Cotta with Matcha Sauce

Name: Japanese Black Sesame Panna Cotta with Matcha Sauce
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Heavy cream; Whole milk; Black sesame seeds, finely ground; Sugar; Vanilla extract; Gelatin; Cold water; Milk; Sugar; Matcha powder; Cornstarch slurry; Black sesame seeds; Fresh mint leaves

A Creamy Japanese Dessert with Earthy Flavors

Delight in the creamy smoothness of panna cotta infused with nutty black sesame, perfectly complemented by a vibrant matcha sauce. An exquisite fusion of flavors in every bite.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Black Sesame Panna Cotta

Heavy cream

2 cups

Whole milk

1 cup

Black sesame seeds, finely ground

1/2 cup

Sugar

1/2 cup

Vanilla extract

2 teaspoons

Gelatin

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons)

Cold water

3 tablespoons

For the Matcha Sauce

Milk

1 cup

Sugar

2 tablespoons

Matcha powder

1 tablespoon

Cornstarch slurry

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water

For Garnishing

Black sesame seeds

for sprinkling

Fresh mint leaves

optional

Preparation

Preparing the Black Sesame Panna Cotta

Heat cream and sesame

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, ground black sesame seeds, and sugar. Gently heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves.

Do not boil the cream mixture to prevent curdling.

Add vanilla and cool

Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and let it slightly cool.

Bloom the gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Allow it to bloom for 5 minutes.

Incorporate gelatin

Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm sesame cream mixture until fully dissolved.

Set the panna cotta

Pour the mixture into serving molds. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.

For a smoother panna cotta, strain the sesame mixture before pouring it into molds.

Preparing the Matcha Sauce

Heat milk and sugar

In another saucepan, whisk together milk and sugar. Gently heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Whisk in matcha

Whisk in the matcha powder until smooth.

Thicken with slurry

Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.

Cool the sauce

Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Cooking Process

Black Sesame Infusion

Gently heat cream with sesame and sugar without boiling.

Gelatin Integration

Stir bloomed gelatin thoroughly until completely dissolved.

Matcha Thickening

Ensure matcha sauce thickens to a pourable consistency.

Plating & Serving