Mint and lime jelly

Refreshing Mint and Lime Jelly Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

When it comes to desserts, nothing compares to a refreshing jelly that tickles your senses. This mint and lime jelly recipe is perfect for hot days or as an elegant accompaniment to various dishes. The fresh aroma of mint combined with the acidity of lime creates a perfect balance, evoking a sense of freshness and vitality.

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 ml water
- 200 g sugar
- 5 sheets of gelatin
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (about 30 g)
- Juice from 3 limes (about 150 ml)
- A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavors)

Preparing the Jelly:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all necessary ingredients and measuring them. Make sure to use fresh mint leaves, as their aroma will make a difference. The limes should be juicy, so choosing well-ripened fruits is essential.

2. Preparing the mint syrup:
In a medium pot, combine 200 ml of water with 200 g of sugar. Place the pot over low heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. This step is crucial, as a well-prepared syrup will ensure a smooth texture for the jelly.

3. Infusing the mint:
Add the mint leaves to the hot syrup and let them infuse for about 10 minutes. This process will extract the intense flavors of mint, adding extra flavor to your jelly. If you want an even more intense taste, you can lightly crush the mint leaves before adding them to the syrup.

4. Straining:
After the mint has infused the syrup, use a fine sieve to strain the mixture into another clean pot. This will remove the mint leaves and leave only the flavored syrup.

5. Preparing the gelatin:
While the syrup is still warm (not hot), add the 5 sheets of gelatin that have been soaked in cold water for 5-10 minutes. Stir well until the gelatin completely dissolves. It is important that the syrup is not too hot, so as not to destroy the properties of the gelatin.

6. Adding the lime juice:
Once the gelatin has dissolved, pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice. This will add a note of acidity and freshness to the jelly. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

7. Cooling the jelly:
Pour the mixture into a container or individual molds, then let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until it is fully set.

Serving and presentation:

To serve the jelly, you can cut it into cubes or break it into larger pieces. It is delicious on its own, but can also be a perfect accompaniment to vanilla ice cream or chocolate cake. Additionally, you can use it as a filling for cakes or tarts. A wonderful idea is to decorate each serving with fresh mint leaves and thin slices of lime for an elegant appearance.

Useful tips and variations:

- Freezing: If you want an even cooler treat, you can turn this jelly into popsicles. Pour the mixture into ice cream molds and let it freeze completely.

- Flavoring: You can also add other flavors to the jelly, such as a splash of rum or vodka for a more sophisticated variant.

- Alternative sugar: If you prefer a healthier option, you can use honey or a natural sweetener, but make sure they dissolve well in water.

Nutritional information:

This jelly is a lighter and healthier dessert option, with approximately 120 calories per serving. It is rich in vitamin C due to the lime and provides antioxidants from the mint leaves. Additionally, it is a good source of hydration, making it perfect for hot days.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I use another type of fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with different citrus fruits, such as lemons or oranges, to achieve diverse flavors.

How can I make the jelly less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or add more lime juice for a more acidic taste.

Can it be made with vegan gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as an alternative to traditional gelatin. Make sure to follow the usage instructions specified on the package.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work! This mint and lime jelly will not only impress with its taste but will also add a touch of refinement to your table. Enjoy!