What a surprise to see this recipe! It is sensational and the sweetness of the beets is perfect in the panna cotta, especially when slowly simmered in the cream, producing the most wonderful deep purple color. Do try it!!
Servings: 6
Beet Panna Cotta
½ lb red beets, peeled, cut into ½” pieces
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
3 tbsp honey
½ tsp vanilla extract
Meyer Lemon Mousse
1 tbsp finely grated Meyer lemon zest
½ cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
½ cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces, divided
½ cup sugar, divided
4 large egg yolks
1 large egg
½ cup chilled heavy cream
You will need six 8 oz glasses or ramekins
Bring the beets, cream, and salt to a simmer over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer very gently until the beets are tender, 25–30 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, combine the gelatin and 2 Tbsp cold water in a blender; let sit 5 minutes for the gelatin to soften.
Transfer the beets and their cooking liquid to blender; add the honey and vanilla and purée until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard the solids.
Divide the purée among the glass dishes and chill until set, 3½–4 hours.
Do Ahead: Panna cotta can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.
Meyer lemon mousse
Bring the lemon zest and juice, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup sugar to a simmer over medium heat in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat.
Whisk the egg yolks, egg, and remaining ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl until pale and thick, about 2 minutes. Whisking constantly, slowly pour the hot lemon mixture into the egg mixture.
Transfer back to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the curd is thickened and the whisk leaves a trail, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the remaining ¼ cup butter, whisking until melted and the curd is smooth.
Transfer the curd to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours.
When ready to serve, whisk the cream in a small bowl to soft peaks and gently fold into the curd. Spoon the mousse over the panna cotta.
Do Ahead: The lemon curd can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.