How to Make Homemade Currant Jelly: Easy 2-Ingredient Recipe

Currant Jelly Recipe (2 Ingredients, No Added Pectin)

Introduction

Making your own currant jelly is not only a great way to preserve the abundance of fresh currants during the summer months, but it is also a delicious and versatile addition to your pantry. Currant jelly can be enjoyed spread on toast, added to yogurt or oatmeal, or used as a glaze for grilled meats. The best part is that you can make this jelly using just 2 ingredients and without any added pectin. In this post, we will walk you through the process of making your own homemade currant jelly.

Ingredients

To make this simple currant jelly recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 cups of fresh currants
– 2 cups of granulated sugar

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your delicious currant jelly:

1. Wash and remove stems: Start by washing the currants thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and discard any spoiled or unripe currants.

2. Simmer the currants: Place the washed and stemmed currants in a large pot and add just enough water to cover them. Simmer the currants over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until they become soft and mushy.

3. Strain the juice: Once the currants are cooked, strain the juice using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Allow the juice to drip through the strainer naturally without pressing or squeezing the fruit pulp. This will result in a clear and smooth jelly.

4. Measure the juice: Measure the amount of juice obtained from the strained currants. You should have around 3 cups of juice.

5. Cook the jelly: Pour the measured juice into a clean pot and add the granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.

6. Skim off foam: As the jelly mixture boils, you may notice foam forming on the surface. Skim off the foam using a spoon or a skimmer to obtain a clearer jelly.

7. Check for the gel point: To check if the jelly has reached the gel point, you can perform a quick plate test. Simply place a small amount of the jelly mixture onto a cold plate and tilt it slightly. If the mixture wrinkles and holds its shape, it has reached the gel point. If not, continue cooking and perform the test again every few minutes.

8. Jar and store: Once the jelly has reached the desired gel point, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Secure the lids tightly and let the jars cool completely on the countertop. Store the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar.

My 2 Cents

Making your own currant jelly is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. By following this simple recipe, you can create your own homemade currant jelly without the need for added pectin. Here are a few additional tips to ensure the success of your currant jelly:

– Choose ripe currants: Use ripe and flavorful currants for the best results. Ripe currants will have a deeper color and a sweeter taste, which will translate into a more flavorful jelly.
– Skim off foam: Skimming off the foam during the cooking process will help you achieve a clearer and smoother jelly. Foam can trap impurities and affect the overall texture and appearance of the jelly.
– Refrigerator test: If you are unsure about the gel point, you can perform the refrigerator test. Place a small amount of the jelly mixture into a chilled spoon and place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. If the mixture sets and wrinkles when touched, it has reached the desired gel point.
– Sterilize jars properly: It is important to sterilize your jars before filling them with the hot jelly. Sterilizing jars helps to prevent spoilage and extends the shelf life of your jelly. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by running them through a dishwasher cycle.
– Experiment with flavors: Once you have mastered the basic currant jelly recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add a hint of lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the taste of your jelly.

Now that you know how to make your own currant jelly, why not give it a try? It’s a simple and rewarding process that will add a burst of flavor to your meals and snacks. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade currant jelly any time of the year!