Pomegranate Panna Cotta

Recipe: Pomegranate Panna Cotta

Pomegranate Panna Cotta is an attractive, easy to make layered dessert. The panna cotta base is vanilla flavoured with lemon zest. Pomegranate jelly or jello is used to create the second layer. The combined flavour of vanilla, lemon zest and pomegranate is simply luscious, melt in the mouth dessert.

Memories

The first time I tried pomegranate panna cotta was for my daughter’s friends when I was living with her in Bangalore. Back then finding good agar agar or gelatin was a bit of a challenge. The panna cotta set well, but the pomegranate layer didn’t. I thought what a waste of pomegranate juice. Opposite to our apartment complex there was this juice centre. It made fresh juice from all seasonal fruits. And imagine one glass of that fresh goodness costed only approx 24 cents! Excitedly, I got 2 full glasses of pomegranate juice for the dessert.

The girls insisted on having the dessert though I mentioned that the jelly layer didn’t set. One of them went to the fridge, took out the panna cotta and served it. To them what mattered was the taste and not whether the layer has set or not. Such an endearing moment for me as with every spoonful that went in their mouths, they praised the dessert.

My 500th Post

My blog started as a dedication to my mum when she passed on in Oct 2011. It hit me then that whatever recipes I have learned from her, may just die for the future generation. It was like a wakening call, had to jot down recipes that I learned from my mum, mother in law and my aunt. All fantastic cooks. As of today, my mother in law too is no longer with us but I am so happy I got to learn so many different recipes from her. She use to say “what my daughters have not learned from me cooking wise, you have.” And she was very proud of that.

Getting the 500th recipe on my blog has been an exciting journey. It has been a journey of learning traditional recipes, trying out new ones, discovering new ingredients, allowing me to get out of my comfort zone. I have had my share of flops, which have in turn urged to get them right. Over time my blog has not only become a place where family and friends search for  recipes, but also a journey down memory lane. Thus the tag “where meals and memories are made.” A reminder that life has its ups and downs.

To celebrate the 500th post, I prepared Pomegranate Panna Cotta and posted it on 25/04/2015

Sharing An Updated Version Of This Post With Sunday Funday

After the first disaster, the second time I made Pomegranate Panna Cotta was when I wanted to celebrate my 500th post on my blog. Back then I used agar agar and the recipe worked out perfectly. But then the photos were horrendous! When Camilla who blogs at Culinary Cam suggested  “Fortuitous Feasting”. Initially, I had no idea what that is so I had to look up the meaning. When it comes to Hinduism, we have certain foods that we prepare for certain festivals or religious days. New Year Day is a part of the Gregorian calendar which Hinduism does not follow as such. Thus no particular food is prepared to celebrate it. However, for the Gujarati New Year which falls immediately the next day after Diwali, we prepare a traditional sweet dish.

“The holiday season is full of long-standing traditions, but my favorites always tend to center around eating. People from around the world eat traditional foods as the clock strikes midnight in hopes of bringing a little more luck and good fortune into their lives. What are you eating!?!” stated Camilla. That got me searching the internet to discover what traditions are followed by different countries or communities world wide.

Suggestions Of What You Should Eat For Good Luck In The New Year

Ring Shaped Food

Like doughnuts, bundt cakes, bagels, ring shaped bread as it is symbolic of the year of luck, full circle. Eggless Chocolate Banana Bundt Cake is an excellent option.

Black Eyed Peas 

I believe it is a tradition in Southern part of US to prepare black eyed peas more specifically in Hoppin” John. Also, a reminder to stick to healthy eating.

Lentils 

I was quite surprised by this but on further research on Google, eating lentils on New Year’s Day symbolizes prosperity. Lentils when soaked in water before cooking swell up, expand. So the belief is that enjoying lentils brings prosperity for the coming year. I guess then India is on the right track unknowingly as most people enjoy a lentil dish for any celebration. Want an idea what to make with lentils? Mujaddara, a lentil rice dish is an excellent dish.

A Whole Fish 

Cook a whole fish, head, tail..the whole of it for a good year ahead.

Noodles 

A Chinese belief, the longer the noodle, the more longevity. Who can resist that. Try to take the noodle strand into the mouth without breaking it. Soba noodles it is in Japan at midnight. Pak Choy Noodle Soup is a good dish to enjoy on New Year’s Day.

Fortune Cookies 

Another Chinese tradition. Each cookie has a message of luck, hope, or prosperity. When I get a fortune cookie, I am like a little kid, so eager to find out the little message for me.

Sauerkraut 

Make sauerkraut or a dish with it.. brings luck, money and for longevity.

Enjoy Herring 

All the regions around the Baltic Sea enjoy herring. It is served at midnight as a symbol of bounty and prosperity.

Grapes

If you’re in Spain or have Spanish Neighbours you’ll be given 12 grapes to enjoy at the stroke of midnight. Eat one grape for every one of the twelve clock chimes that ring in the new year at midnight. 12 sweet grapes for 12 sweet months of the year. Serve individual portions of Beetroot Grape Salad and don’t forget to add only 12 grapes.

Enjoy Pork 

A German tradition, if wealth and prosperity is what you seek.

Smashed Pomegranates

A Greek tradition. Sweet Pomegranates are smashed at the entrance of their homes. It brings good luck and fortune. The Greeks believe that the arils or seeds represent abundance, fertility, eternity and good fortune. If you want to enjoy something healthy for New Year’s Day then go ahead and make A Greek Style Salad and load it with pomegranates.

Sprinkle Salt 

People in Turkey sprinkle salt at their doorstep as it generates good luck. Sprinkle some Sea Salt on Fougasse.

Champagne

Toast with champagne.Back in the 17th Century, the wealthy French Citizens would drink champagne, a symbol of prosperity.