Pomegranate Panna Cotta: A Luxurious Yalda Night Dessert Inspired by Persian Tradition
A delicate, festive dessert celebrating the longest night of the year
Yalda Night, the longest night of the year, is a celebration deeply rooted in Persian culture. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and is traditionally marked by family gatherings, poetry, and symbolic foods; most notably, the pomegranate, the jewel of Yalda Night.
This Pomegranate Panna Cotta is an elegant, modern dessert that captures the spirit of Yalda while remaining light, creamy, and beautifully balanced. With its soft texture and vibrant pomegranate topping, it’s a perfect addition to a Yalda table, pairing wonderfully with Persian tea.
Why Pomegranate Is Essential for Yalda Night
In Persian tradition, the pomegranate represents life, renewal, and warmth. Its rich red colour reflects the glow of the sun returning after the longest night, making it one of the most meaningful foods served on Yalda Night.
Using pomegranate in desserts like panna cotta allows you to honour tradition while presenting something refined and contemporary.
Pomegranate Panna Cotta Recipe (Serves 6)
Ingredients:
For the Panna Cotta:
- 500 ml double cream
- 100 ml full-fat milk
- 80 g sugar
- 1½ tsp gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pomegranate Layer:
- 250 ml fresh pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp gelatin powder
- 1 tbsp cold water
For Garnish:
- Fresh pomegranate seeds
- Crushed pistachios (optional)
- Dried rose petals (optional)
How to Make Pomegranate Panna Cotta:
1. Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Prepare the Cream Base
Heat the cream, milk, and sugar gently in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla until fully dissolved.
3. Pour and Chill
Pour the mixture into serving glasses. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours until set.
4. Make the Pomegranate Layer
Bloom gelatin with cold water. Heat pomegranate juice with sugar gently, then stir in gelatin until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
5. Add the Topping
Carefully pour the pomegranate layer over the set panna cotta. Chill for another 1–2 hours.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh pomegranate seeds, pistachios, or rose petals before serving.
Perfect Tea Pairing for Yalda Night
This delicate dessert pairs beautifully with Persian teas that balance its creamy sweetness. For a memorable Yalda experience, enjoy it with:
Pomegranate Green Tea: to echo the fruit’s brightness
Persian Black Tea: warm and comforting
Herbal teas: ideal for late-night gatherings
At Persian Tea & Spice, we believe tea completes the dessert ritual, bringing warmth and connection to every celebration.
A Dessert Made for Yalda Memories
Pomegranate panna cotta is more than a dessert; it’s a modern expression of Persian tradition. Its smooth texture, symbolic colour, and elegant presentation make it ideal for Yalda Night, winter celebrations, or any occasion where you want to honour Persian culture with style.