Plum jelly

Delicious Plum Jelly – A Simple and Quick Recipe

If you have plums that are not sweet enough to be eaten as they are or to be used in more complex dishes, don't worry! You can turn these fruits into a flavorful and delicious plum jelly, perfect for enjoying on a slice of toasted bread or as a filling for pastries.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 4 jars

Ingredients

- 500 g plums (choose well-ripened plums, but not too soft)
- 200-250 g sugar (my suggestion is to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- 50-60 ml water
- 4 sheets of gelatin (check the instructions on the package to ensure proper use)

Brief History

Plum jelly is a delicacy rooted in local traditions, prepared for centuries in households to preserve seasonal fruits. This simple and quick recipe not only reduces food waste but also offers a delicious way to savor the flavors of autumn throughout the year.

Making Plum Jelly

1. Preparing the Plums: Start by washing the plums well under cold running water. Then, cut them in half, removing the pits. It is important to choose fresh plums, even if they are a bit tart or bitter, as these flavor nuances will add depth to the jelly.

2. Preparing the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, forming a syrup. It should become slightly viscous, but should not boil too much.

3. Adding the Plums: Once the syrup is ready, add the plum halves. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plums become soft and release their juice.

4. Straining the Mixture: Use a fine strainer to separate the fruit pulp from the liquid. This is an important step, as you want to achieve a smooth jelly. You can gently press the plums with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.

5. Adding the Gelatin: In the meantime, soak the 4 sheets of gelatin in cold water according to the instructions on the package. After they have softened, drain them and add them to the warm plum syrup, stirring well until completely dissolved.

6. Pouring into Jars: Pour the mixture into 4 jars or glass containers. Allow them to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Plums: Tarer plums will provide a more balanced jelly, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, choose riper plums.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for a pleasant contrast.
- Vegan Option: If you want a version without animal-derived gelatin, you can use agar-agar, keeping in mind that it requires adjusting the quantity.

Combinations and Serving

Plum jelly is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. I recommend enjoying it on a slice of toasted bread, alongside a cup of hot tea. It also pairs perfectly as a filling for pastries or as a topping for yogurt or cottage cheese.

Nutritional Benefits

Plums are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, having beneficial effects on digestion and the immune system. Additionally, plum jelly can be an excellent way to add a touch of natural sweetness to your daily diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What can I do if the jelly doesn’t set? If the jelly hasn’t set enough, you can remake it by adding a little extra gelatin and reheating the mixture.
- How can I store the jelly? Plum jelly stores well in the refrigerator for up to a month, in airtight containers.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy every moment and savor the enticing aroma of this lovingly prepared plum jelly. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: I used: 500 g of plums, 200-250 g of sugar (I didn't weigh it, I just estimated), 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 50-60 ml of water, 4 sheets of gelatin.

 Tags:  plum jelly