Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a homemade condiment that's both surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious? Forget store-bought – this mint jelly recipe, made without pectin, is a delightful journey into the world of homemade cooking. It’s perfect for adding a fresh, vibrant touch to your favorite dishes, from roasted lamb to grilled salmon, and it makes a fantastic homemade gift too! This recipe uses a natural setting method, resulting in a slightly softer jelly, but equally flavorful. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups white sugar
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mint
Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh mint leaves. Remove any thick stems. This ensures your jelly has a clean, vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Simmer the Mint
Combine the mint leaves, sugar, vinegar, and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the mint to infuse its flavor into the mixture.
Step 3: Mash and Strain
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Use a potato masher to gently crush the mint leaves, releasing their flavor and color. Then, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Step 4: Return to Simmer
Return the strained mint liquid to the saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. A rolling boil is crucial for proper setting, even without pectin. Continue to boil for about 10-15 minutes, or until the jelly reaches setting point.
Step 5: Test for Setting
To check for setting, place a small amount of the hot jelly on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute or two. If the jelly wrinkles slightly when you push it with your finger, it's ready. If it's still runny, continue boiling for a few more minutes and test again.
Step 6: Jar and Seal
Carefully ladle the hot mint jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal tightly with lids. To ensure proper sealing, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely. You should hear a satisfying “pop” sound as the jars seal. Once cooled, store in a cool, dark place. Your delicious homemade mint jelly will keep for several months.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh Mint is Key: Using fresh, high-quality mint leaves makes all the difference in the flavor of your jelly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there's enough space in the saucepan to allow the mixture to simmer evenly.
- Sterilize your Jars: This prevents mold and ensures your jelly stays fresh for longer.
Variations:
- Spicy Mint Jelly: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the simmering mixture for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Mint Jelly: Incorporate the zest and juice of a lemon or lime for a zesty twist.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon):
- Calories: Approximately 30
- Sugar: Approximately 7g
This no-pectin mint jelly recipe is a simple yet rewarding way to add a touch of homemade goodness to your meals. It’s a great addition to your pantry and a delightful gift for friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with variations and creating your own unique mint jelly masterpieces!