Chewy and Refreshing Agar-Agar Jelly with Natural Colors
No Gelatin! How to Make Healthy and Delicious Agar-Agar Jelly Using Sea Grapes
Craving a wonderfully chewy jelly without the use of gelatin? Try making this no-gelatin agar-agar jelly using leftover sea grape jelly! Sea grapes and agar-agar are made from the same ingredient. When the hardened sea grape jelly is melted, it transforms into a jelly-like consistency effortlessly. This recipe is also suitable for vegans and is even more appealing as you can add beautiful colors using natural ingredients. It’s especially delicious when served with shaved ice (patbingsu), so be sure to give it a try!
Jelly Ingredients
- 1 block Sea Grape Jelly (Umogagasari Muk)
- 1 Tbsp Blue Curacao syrup (for blue color)
- 1 piece Gardenia fruit (for yellow color)
- 1/4 piece Beet (for red color)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Using soft, pliable sea grape jelly makes the process of making jelly incredibly easy. You can achieve a wonderfully firm and jiggly texture even without gelatin.
Step 2
Place the sea grape jelly in a pot and slowly melt it over low heat. Stir continuously until it completely liquefies, resembling water.
Step 3
Once the sea grape jelly is nicely melted, add your prepared natural colorings and stir gently. Pour the mixture into your desired molds, then refrigerate until set to complete your delicious no-gelatin agar-agar jelly!
Step 4
Get creative with various natural ingredients you have at home to give your jelly beautiful colors. The blue in the pictured jelly was achieved by adding a touch of Blue Curacao syrup.
Step 5
To achieve a red hue, wash the beet thoroughly and dice it into small cubes. Soak the diced beet in cold water for about 30 minutes; this will release a clear, beautiful red color. Use this colored water for your red jelly.
Step 6
For a yellow color, prepare one gardenia fruit. Wash the gardenia fruit clean and soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes. This will yield a lovely, clear yellow water that can be used as a natural dye for your jelly.
Step 7
After ensuring the jelly is completely set, it’s time to unmold it. To carefully release the jelly from the mold, briefly dip the mold in cold water and then gently push it out from the bottom. It should slide out cleanly, maintaining its shape. Your colorful and beautiful jelly is ready! If you don’t have natural ingredients for coloring, a clear jelly is also wonderfully refreshing.
Step 8
This homemade agar-agar jelly is absolutely delicious when added to shaved ice (patbingsu)! It enhances the richness of the dessert, reduces calorie concerns, and looks wonderfully appealing. It’s also a perfect dessert for special occasions.
