In the realm of Chinese desserts, herbal jelly stands out as a unique and healthful delicacy. This traditional treat has been cherished for centuries, bursting with refreshing flavors and boasting many potential health benefits. Join us on a culinary journey as we craft Chinese herbal jelly from scratch, embracing its rich cultural heritage and nourishing properties.
Ingredients:
To create herbal jelly from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
- 30g Chinese herbs (such as honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, dandelion root, and gypsum)
- 30g agar agar powder
- 1000ml water
- 100g rock sugar (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of pearl powder for added skin benefits
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chinese Herbs:
- Rinse the Chinese herbs thoroughly in cold water to remove dirt or impurities.
- Place the herbs in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 30 minutes to rehydrate.
- Boil the Herbs:
- Transfer the soaked herbs and their soaking water to a pot.
- Add 1000ml of water to the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the herbs for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the water.
- Strain the Herbal Infusion:
- After simmering, strain the herbal infusion through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid herb particles. Discard the solids.
- Add Agar Agar and Sugar:
- Return the strained herbal infusion to the pot.
- Add agar agar powder to the pot and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add rock sugar to the pot and continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Boil and Pour:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Optional: Add Pearl Powder:
- Add pearl powder to the mixture and stir until well incorporated. Pearl powder offers additional benefits for skin health and complexion.
- Pour and Set:
- Remove the pot from the heat and carefully pour the herbal jelly mixture into individual serving molds or a large shallow dish.
- Allow the herbal jelly to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to set for at least 2-3 hours or until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once set, cut the herbal jelly into desired shapes or serve it in its mold.
- Herbal jelly can be enjoyed as a refreshing dessert or served with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of sweetened condensed milk for added sweetness.
Conclusion:
Crafting Chinese herbal jelly from scratch is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to embrace this traditional dessert’s rich flavors and nourishing properties. By following this simple recipe and incorporating a variety of Chinese herbs, you can create a delightful treat that not only pleases the palate but also supports overall health and well-being. So why not embark on a culinary adventure and experience the refreshing allure of homemade herbal jelly today?