Who knew desserts would be so good for you? This healthy dairy-free matcha Panna cotta is not only delicious, but it is also full of antioxidants, healthy fats and carbs. Panna cotta is a very traditional Italian dessert, normally made with sweetened cream and gelatine. Once it is thickened, it is usually topped with chocolate or strawberry sauce.
This is a variation of the traditional panna cotta, and instead of using dairy cream, we will be using canned coconut milk. Therefore, this dessert will be completely dairy free. Instead of sugar, honey or rice malt syrup will be used to lower the glycemic index and make this dessert even healthier. Below you will find the recipe for this panna cotta and a few substitutions, including instructions on how to make a vegan version.
What is matcha and why is it so healthy?
Matcha is finely ground green tea leaves, original from Japan. A cup of matcha tea has as much antioxidants as 10 cups of your usual green tea, which makes this drink a holy health potion. Matcha is commonly used in Japan for many different desserts and drinks, as it has a unique but delicious flavour.
There are three types of matcha, ranging from most expensive to least:
1. Ceremonial grade: Ceremonial grade is the most expensive, but it has the best taste and it is best for drinking.
2. Premium grade: Premium grade is a middle ground matcha between ceremonial and culinary, perfect for beginners and daily consumption in drinks.
3. Culinary grade: Cooking grade is the cheapest kind but best for smoothies, pastries, etc.
Properties of honey: Also known as liquid gold, honey is know to have miraculous healing properties such as healing upset stomachs, preventing cancer, antibacterial properties, soothing sore throats and more. Honey is also a great source of antioxidants.
Substitutes
How to make the healthy dairy-free matcha panna cotta vegan:
Swap gelatine for agar agar powder which is a thickening agent, or use cornstarch. Honey could be substituted for any other liquid sweetener such as rice malt syrup, agave nectar or maple syrup.
What if I don’t like coconut? Swap coconut milk for soy creamer or cooking soy cream.
The process of the healthy dairy-free matcha panna cotta takes only 5 minutes.
Tips to make your healthy dairy free matcha panna cotta perfect:
- Coconut milk : use canned coconut milk, try to use more of the creamy thick part than the water it comes with.
- Use smaller individual containers so it sets better.
- Refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Read the instructions of your gelatine and act accordingly for better results.
Finally,
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! Let me know if you decide to try it out and don’t forget to send me your #Lifestylemartina creations.
Other recipes you might like:
Healthy lemon-apricot cheesecake squares
Fall inspired healthy apple pie oatmeal
My goal is to get you to cook and experiment in the kitchen, even if you are not an expert. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina . I post daily tips, quick recipes, personal content and pictures of my travel experiences. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Below, the full recipe of the healthy dairy-free matcha panna cotta! Enjoy.
Healthy Dairy-free Matcha Panna cotta
Ingredients
- 1 tbs matcha tea premium or ceremonial grade preferably
- 1 can coconut milk
- 3 tbs honey vegan option: rice malt syrup or agave
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 packet unflavoured jello vegan option: agar agar powder
- blackberries optional (to serve)
- mint leaves optional (to serve)
Instructions
- mix the hot water with the matcha powder
- in a small pot, on medium heat, add the coconut milk, honey, vanilla, and jello
- add the matcha mixture to the pot and let boil for a minute or two
- mix through out
- after a few minutes, pour mixture into individual cups
- let cool at room temperature
- store in the fridge
- decorate with mint leaves and blackberries just before serving
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
