Watermelon jelly sweets

Ingredients

Jelly Sweets

500 milliliters (16.91 fluid ounces) watermelon juice with pulp
300 grams (10.58 ounces) sugar
10 grams (0.35 ounces) agar

Equipment

Saucepan
A quality saucepan will help distribute heat evenly, ensuring your jelly mixture boils perfectly. Opt for something with a heavy bottom to avoid burning.
Hand Blender
Blending the watermelon pulp quickly is key. A hand blender makes this step effortless. Make sure it's easy to clean as watermelon can get sticky.
Sieve
A fine mesh sieve will help you strain the watermelon juice smoothly, removing seeds and pulp chunks. This gives your jelly sweets a clear, consistent texture.
Mixing Bowl
A large mixing bowl helps in managing your ingredients with ease. Look for one with a non-slip base to avoid any kitchen mishaps.
Mold
The mold will shape your jelly sweets. Silicone molds are highly recommended as they make removing the set jelly much easier.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the watermelon by removing the pulp (approximately 600 grams or 21.16 ounces) and mashing it with a hand blender. There's no need to remove the seeds as they will not split and will be strained out later. Make sure to use a ripe watermelon for the best flavor.

Step 2

Strain the mashed watermelon through a fine sieve to obtain the juice. Measure out 500 milliliters (16.91 fluid ounces) of the juice and pour it into a saucepan. Use a fine mesh sieve to remove most of the seeds and fibers.

Step 3

Add the agar powder and sugar to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook as it can alter the texture of the jelly.

Step 4

Pour the mixture into a mold and let it set at room temperature until firm. Once set, cut the jelly into pieces and sprinkle with sugar before serving. You can use silicone molds for easy removal and fun shapes.

Servings

Serving suggestions and ideas

These watermelon jelly sweets are the perfect refreshing snack for any occasion. Serve them chilled on a hot summer day and watch them disappear like magic. 💫

If you're hosting a party, create an eye-catching dessert platter. Mix and match these jelly sweets with other fruity treats for a vibrant, colorful display. 🍉🍇🍓

Why not get creative with presentation? You can use different shaped molds – stars, hearts, or even cute animal shapes – to add a whimsical touch that kids will absolutely adore. 🧡✨

Another fun idea is to sprinkle a bit of chili powder or salt on the jelly sweets right before serving for an unexpected twist that’ll surprise your guests’ taste buds. 🌶️

Pair these jelly sweets with a refreshing summer drink like lemonade or iced tea to complete your snack table. Add a few mint leaves for garnish and you've got yourself a picture-perfect summer treat! 🍹🌿

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations

Good news! This watermelon jelly sweets recipe is already gluten-free and vegan as agar is derived from seaweed. 🌱

For a vegan twist, make sure your sugar is labeled as vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char. Opt for brands like Zulka or Wholesome Sweeteners. 😉

Experiment with flavors by incorporating other fruit juices like pineapple or mango, but remember to maintain the liquid-to-agar ratio for perfect consistency. 🍍🥭

Faq

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sugar with honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar substitute like Stevia. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level might vary, so adjust it to taste.
How do I store these jelly sweets for later?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to a week, though they're so tasty they'll probably disappear much sooner!
What's the best way to remove air bubbles from the mixture?
When heating the mixture, gently stir to release any trapped air. Pouring the mixture slowly into the mold also helps minimize bubbles.
Can I add food coloring to make the jellies more vibrant?
Definitely! A few drops of natural food coloring can make your jellies pop. Just ensure the coloring is mixed well to avoid streaks.
Why is my jelly not setting properly?
This could be due to incorrect agar measurements or not boiling the mixture long enough. Make sure to measure precisely and simmer for the full 7-9 minutes.
Can I mix different fruits in one batch?
Yes, you can mix different fruit juices, but be mindful of the overall liquid-to-agar ratio to ensure it sets properly.