Buzz
Agar jelly is a simple and quick dessert to prepare. The easiest way to make it is by using pre-mixed powder, which already contains sugar and flavoring. However, if you have the time, why not try making it from scratch with your own choice of sugar and flavors? Gelatin is a healthy ingredient, but you can enhance it further by adding fresh fruits.
Ingredients
Use pre-mixed agar powder
- 1 package of 85g agar powder
- 1 cup of hot water (240ml)
- 1 cup of cold water (240ml)
- 1 to 2 cups of fresh fruit (optional)
Use raw ingredients
- 1.5 cups of fruit juice (350ml)
- ¼ cup of cold water (60ml)
- ¼ cup of hot water (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon of gelatin
- 100g to 200g of fresh fruits (optional)
- Agave nectar, honey, stevia, sugar, etc. (optional, based on taste preferences)
Steps
Make jelly using ready-made jelly powder
Stir 1 cup of hot water with 1 packet of jelly powder in a large bowl. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- If using a larger bowl, mix a 170g packet of jelly powder with 2 cups of hot water.
- This recipe uses jelly powder with added sugar and flavor. If you use regular gelatin, you can refer to the method of making jelly from raw ingredients.
Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture. If you want the jelly to set faster, use a cup of ice cubes instead. Remember, the jelly sets quickly, so you need to act swiftly.
- If you use a larger bowl, mix a 170g packet of jelly powder with 2 cups of cold water.
Pour the mixture into your desired mold and add some fruit if you like. After adding the fruit, stir the mixture quickly to evenly distribute the fruit. You can use a baking tray, a bowl, or any cute jelly mold. Feel free to use any fruit of your choice—grapes, berries, and orange segments work particularly well!
- If using a baking tray, opt for a 22x30cm or 20x20cm size. This works best if you want to cut the jelly into shapes with cookie cutters.
- If using a jelly mold and wish to add fruit, pour in about 1-2cm of jelly mixture first, then add your fruit. Pour another layer of jelly on top to fill the mold, but avoid stirring the fruit. This will give the surface a beautiful finish.
Place the jelly in the fridge and wait for it to set, which will take at least 2 to 3 hours. Depending on your fridge's temperature and the amount of jelly you're making, it might take up to an entire night for it to fully set. To check if it’s ready, press it with your finger. If it sticks to your finger, it's still not done. If your finger stays clean, it’s set.
Remove the jelly from the mold and place it on a plate. Dip the mold in water up to its edge. Wait 10 seconds, then invert the jelly onto a plate. If the jelly doesn’t come out easily, continue dipping the mold in water.
- If you made the jelly in a bowl, there’s no need to remove it.
- If you used a baking tray, you can cut it into square pieces or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. If it’s hard to remove the jelly from the tray, immerse the bottom of the tray in warm water for 10 seconds.
- If you made the jelly in a large bowl, you can scoop it out with an ice cream scoop to create round jelly balls. Serve the balls in a bowl for eating.
Enjoy your jelly. You can eat it on its own or top it with whipped cream or some fruit slices for extra flavor.
Making jelly from raw ingredients
Sprinkle gelatin into 1/4 cup of cold water (60ml) and stir. Pour cold water into a measuring cup, then sprinkle the gelatin over it. Stir vigorously until the gelatin thickens.
- If you follow a vegetarian diet and prefer firmer jelly, you can use 2 teaspoons of agar powder. Alternatively, you can opt for 60g of carrageenan food additive.
Stir into 1/4 cup of hot water (60ml). The water should be hot, but not boiling. This will dissolve the gelatin. Don't worry, the jelly will set immediately after cooling down.
Add 1.5 cups (350ml) of fruit juice. You can use a single type of juice or mix a few to create a unique flavor. Apple, grape, orange, or pineapple are all great options.
- Be mindful when using pineapple juice. Some people find that enzymes in pineapple prevent the jelly from setting properly.
- If you find the jelly isn't sweet enough, you can add a sweetener such as maple syrup, sugar, or stevia.
Pour the mixture into your chosen mold and add some fruit if you wish. Any fruit works well in jelly, including blueberries, oranges, pineapples, or strawberries. Once the fruit is added, quickly stir in some honey.
- If you want to cut the jelly into cubes or fun shapes, you can pour it into a 22x30cm or 20x20cm baking tray.
- If you're using a jelly mold and plan to add fruit, first pour 1-2cm of the jelly mixture into the mold, then add the fruits. Top with more jelly to fill the mold, but don't stir the fruit. This gives the jelly a more visually appealing appearance.
Cover the jelly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours. You can leave it overnight. To check if the jelly is set, press your finger into it. If the jelly sticks to your finger, it’s not ready and needs more time in the fridge. If your finger doesn’t stick, the jelly is complete.
Remove the jelly from the mold and enjoy. You can eat the jelly on its own or pair it with whipped cream. It can also be garnished with fruit.
- If you set the jelly in a baking tray, you can cut it into cubes or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
- If you set the jelly in a bowl, try using an ice cream scooper to form round jelly balls.
- If you set the jelly in a mold, dip the mold in warm water up to the edge. Wait 10 seconds, then invert the jelly onto a plate. If it doesn’t slide out easily, keep dipping the mold in water.
Tips
- Jelly can help soothe a sore throat or be a good option for those avoiding solid foods.
- If you want firmer jelly, add more gelatin.
- You can also feed jelly to babies before it fully sets.
- Try combining different jelly flavors for a unique taste.
- For the best results, allow the jelly mixture to cool down before pouring it into molds. But don’t wait too long, or it may start to set prematurely, which can cause lumps.
- Add a bit of alcohol to the jelly mixture before setting to give it a boozy twist.
Warnings
Rau câu is not typically considered a dessert for vegetarians. However, there are many vegetarian-friendly alternatives that can be used in place of gelatin.
Items you will need
- Mixing bowl
- Egg whisk
- Rau câu mold, baking tray, or bowl
