Strawberry jam

Strawberry Magiun – The Sweetness of Childhood in a Jar

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 5 jars of 400 g

General description

Strawberry magiun is one of those recipes that brings back the simple and authentic flavors of childhood. It is a quick and easy dessert to prepare, perfect for enjoying on a slice of toasted bread, as a filling in pastries, or simply as a topping for morning yogurt. This recipe not only combines the natural flavor of strawberries with the sweetness of sugar but also offers a perfect opportunity to preserve the summer in jars for colder days.

Necessary ingredients

- 2 kg of country strawberries (preferably fresh and ripe)
- 1 kg of sugar
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 vanilla pod (optional, but recommended for a special taste)

Ingredient details

Country strawberries are the most flavorful, so make sure to choose well-ripened fruits with an intense aroma. Sugar is essential for preserving the magiun, but you can experiment with different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or brown sugar, to add caramel notes. Lemon not only provides a pleasant tartness but also helps stabilize the color and texture of the magiun. The vanilla pod will add depth to the flavors, turning the dessert into a true delicacy.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries well under cold running water. Remove the stems and any spoiled parts. Use a hand mixer to puree the strawberries until you get a smooth mixture. If you prefer a less uniform texture, you can leave some larger pieces.

2. Cooking the magiun
Place the strawberry puree in a large pot over low heat. Here, it is important to stir constantly to avoid sticking. After about 10-15 minutes, you will notice that the juice begins to reduce. This is the moment you add the sugar, lemon juice, and, if you choose, the split vanilla pod. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.

3. Boiling and skimming
Continue cooking the magiun over low heat, stirring occasionally. It is normal for foam to form on the surface; remove it with a skimmer to achieve a clearer magiun. After about 40-50 minutes, the magiun will start to thicken. Test the consistency: take a teaspoon of magiun and place it on a cold plate. If it holds its shape and does not run, it is ready.

4. Sterilizing the jars
While the magiun is cooking, prepare the jars. Wash them well with water and detergent, then rinse. An effective sterilization method is to place them in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes. Make sure they are completely dry before adding the magiun.

5. Filling the jars
Once the magiun is ready, pour it hot into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Cover each jar with a clean cloth and let it cool slowly to create a vacuum, which will help preserve the magiun.

6. Finalizing
After they have cooled, you can store them in the pantry or place them in the fridge. It is recommended to consume them within a year, although they surely won't last that long!

Variations and serving suggestions

If you want to add a personal touch to your magiun, here are a few variations you can try:

- Strawberry and mint magiun: Add a few fresh mint leaves during cooking for a refreshing taste.
- Spiced magiun: An interesting idea is to add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for a different aroma.
- Strawberry and orange magiun: Replace some of the lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Strawberry magiun is a sweet yet healthy option. Generally, a 100 g serving of magiun contains about 250 calories, but it also provides antioxidants from strawberries, which are rich in vitamin C. This can help strengthen the immune system and combat inflammation.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

- How can I check if the magiun is ready?
The cold plate test is the simplest. If the magiun does not run and holds its shape, it is cooked.

- Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that it plays an important role in preservation, so the magiun will have a shorter shelf life.

Delicious combinations

Strawberry magiun pairs perfectly with various dishes. I recommend serving it with Greek yogurt for a healthy breakfast or using it as a filling for pancakes. It also goes wonderfully with cottage cheese or as a topping for cheesecakes.

So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the delicious aromas of strawberry magiun. It’s more than just a recipe – it’s a sweet memory that you can share with your loved ones. Bon appétit!