Jelly recipes with agar-agar for home cooking

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Many of those who are interested in cooking and preparing various dishes at home, most likely, at least once came across such an ingredient as agar-agar. Especially often on the Internet and in cookbooks you can find recipes for jelly with agar-agar. And it is also often recommended to use it, and not gelatin. But not everyone knows the word agar-agar. What is it?

What is agar-agar?

A substance with strong gelling properties is agar-agar. Chefs and confectioners know well what it is. In the culinary world, it is known as a great alternative to gelatin. It acts as a thickener for the preparation of various kinds of desserts, puddings, jellies, soups and sauces. Agar-agar is extracted from several types of red algae. The output is a white or yellowish powder. Also, agar can be found in the form of granules, flakes and plates. Therefore, professional chefs and housewives always have a choice of whichform is more convenient for them to use.

Its composition is distinguished by the presence of many useful minerals, including iodine, magnesium, iron, zinc and some others. In addition, it contains carbohydrates and fiber. Therefore, its use is not only more convenient, but also more useful.

Properties of agar-agar

Of course, the main property of this substance is the ability to turn any liquid into a jelly-like mass with the help of a small amount. Agar-agar is the most commonly used in the preparation of jelly. It, as already mentioned, is made from algae, which are pre-washed and cleaned, and then they go through several stages of processing. This is how a powdery substance with strong gelling properties is obtained. Agar-agar has neither taste nor smell, which is quite convenient for its use. At the same time, it easily absorbs the aromas of spices and spices used with it.

Agar-agar is known for its he alth benefits. Firstly, algae jelly is not absorbed by the body, as if it simply passes through it, simultaneously cleansing the intestines. In addition, it helps lower cholesterol levels, has benefits in preventing breast cancer, and strengthens the lungs. And due to the fact that it has almost zero calorie content and quickly causes a feeling of fullness, it has found great popularity among lovers of he althy eating and losing weight.

Comparison of agar-agar and gelatin

At its core, these two substances are verysimilar: they have gelling properties and therefore are used to prepare various dishes, where necessary. But if you delve into their composition and properties, you can find a lot of significant differences, as a rule, not in favor of gelatin. Among the first, the absence of taste and smell in agar can be noted, while gelatin has a rather specific aroma. This implies the following advantage of agar-agar: it is not scary to overdo it, because in this case, unlike gelatin, it will not add any flavor to the dish.

Deepening into the composition, it can be noted that agar is a product of plant production, since it is based on algae. For this reason, it is popular with vegetarians. Agar-agar jelly recipes are more popular than gelatin-based recipes. There is also a difference in texture - agar-agar is denser and harder, does not melt on the tongue. This may be the only negative for lovers of soft jelly texture.

How to make a simple agar jelly

Recipes for jelly with agar-agar are very popular. Again, it's all about the convenience of using this substance to prepare jelly-like dishes. But to prepare such a delicacy at home, you need to know how to dilute agar-agar for jelly. When choosing it for jelly, you should give preference to a powdered additive, since it is most convenient to work with it. For example, consider making jelly from fresh strawberries.

So, first, add sugar and lemon zest to the water, put on the stove and bring to a boil. Now add strawberries, after mashing it, and lemon juice, mix and put aside. Following the proportions indicated on the package, add the agar to the water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. During the boil, pour in the berry mass here, bring to a boil again, not forgetting to stir. In this case, quite a high foam will rise. When the mixture boils, remove the foam and pour the liquid into the molds. It remains only to give a couple of minutes to cool, and the dessert for the whole family is ready. It is very convenient that cooking such an interesting delicacy will take the hostess no more than half an hour, which is good news.

How to make orange jelly

Orange itself is a very interesting fruit. And orange jelly with agar-agar will definitely please lovers of juicy citrus fruits. The most common ways to make orange jelly are with juice and milk. Consider both.

To make jelly with juice, put the juice directly on the stove and let it heat up. When it has already become warm, add agar-agar and stir well, remove from the stove, not letting it boil, and put it aside for 15 minutes. After that, return to the stove, bring to a boil. Do not forget to stir, hold for one minute and remove. At this stage, the jelly is already ready, it remains only to pour into molds and let cool. For those who are fasting, this jelly has an undeniable advantage, since it can also be prepared during fasting.

For milk lovers nextway. Here the principle is similar to that which underlies the strawberry jelly method described above. We mix milk and sugar, separately bring agar-agar with water and sugar to a boil, if desired, cook for several minutes, stirring constantly. Add milk, as well as orange juice and pulp, pour into molds and let cool.

What else can be added to jelly

Whether you choose agar-agar or gelatin jelly recipes, a lot depends on your imagination. You can give any flavor to your delicacy, do not be afraid to experiment. Basic supplements are various fruits and berries, ranging from apples and strawberries to watermelon and mango. You can cook milk jelly, the recipe of which is indicated above. In fact, there are many different variations and interesting combinations, you just have to try to dream up.

Jelly itself is a very unusual and tasty dessert that both adults and children will enjoy. Agar-agar is only an inconspicuous assistant in its preparation. Don't be afraid to be creative and come up with something new to surprise and delight your loved ones.