The Hidden Treasure of the Mimosa Plant: A Delightful Dessert Recipe
The mimosa plant (Mimosa pudica), also known as the « sensitive plant, » is admired for its unique movement and medicinal properties, but it can also be a creative ingredient in desserts. Infusing its mild, herbal essence into sweet dishes creates a dessert that’s not only delicious but also intriguing. Here’s a delightful Mimosa-Infused Panna Cotta recipe to showcase the hidden treasure of this plant.
Mimosa-Infused Panna Cotta
This panna cotta combines the subtle, herbal flavor of mimosa leaves with the creamy richness of a classic Italian dessert. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something unique.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Panna Cotta:
2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
1/4 cup sugar (or a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
3 tablespoons fresh mimosa leaves, thoroughly washed
For the Topping:
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
Drizzle of honey or berry coulis
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mimosa Infusion
In a small saucepan, combine the cream and mimosa leaves.
Heat gently over low heat until the cream begins to steam (do not boil).
Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain the cream to remove the mimosa leaves, pressing gently to extract all the flavor.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
If using agar-agar, follow the package instructions to dissolve it in a small amount of water.
3. Combine Ingredients
