How to Make Mint Jelly
Mint jelly is a delightful and refreshing condiment that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from savory meats to sweet desserts. Made from fresh mint leaves, sugar, and lemon juice, this homemade jelly adds a burst of flavor to any meal. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to make your own mint jelly at home.
Ingredients
To make mint jelly, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh mint leaves (packed)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
Instructions
1.
Prepare the mint leaves:
Begin by washing the mint leaves thoroughly and then finely chop them. It is important to remove any tough stems and stems, as they can be bitter.
2.
Mix the ingredients:
In a saucepan, combine the chopped mint leaves, sugar, water, and lemon juice. If you are using citric acid, add it to the mixture as well.
3.
Boil the mixture:
Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
4.
Simmer the mixture:
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the mint leaves will release their flavor into the syrup.
5.
Strain the mixture:
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the mint leaves. You can discard the leaves or use them in other recipes.
6.
Return the mixture to the saucepan:
Once the mixture has been strained, return it to the saucepan. Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil again.
7.
Skim the foam:
As the mixture boils, you may notice a foam forming on the surface. Skim it off with a spoon and discard it. This foam can affect the clarity and texture of the jelly.
8.
Boil the mixture for 5 minutes:
Once the foam has been removed, let the mixture boil for an additional 5 minutes. During this time, the jelly will start to thicken.
9.
Test the jelly:
To test if the jelly has reached the desired consistency, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Then, spoon a small amount of jelly onto the plate and wait for a few seconds. If the jelly wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it is ready.
10.
Remove from heat and pour into jars:
Once the jelly has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully pour the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
11.
Seal the jars:
Allow the jars to cool completely before sealing them with lids. Once sealed, the mint jelly can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Now that you have learned how to make mint jelly, you can enjoy this delightful condiment with your favorite dishes. Happy cooking!
