Russian-style Red Currant Jelly

Russian-Style Red Currant Jelly Recipe

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: overnight | Servings: 8

Introduction

Russian-style Red Currant Jelly is a delicious and tangy spread that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your breakfast toast or afternoon tea. Made with fresh red currants, sugar, and water, this jelly is easy to make and bursting with fruity goodness.

History

Red currants have been cultivated in Russia for centuries, and their tart flavor makes them a popular ingredient in jams and jellies. Russian-style Red Currant Jelly is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Clean the berries and remove them from the stems.
In a bowl, mash the berries into a pulp.
Place the pulp into a clean cloth over another bowl and squeeze out all of the juice.
Set aside the pulp for later use.
Add a large amount of sugar to the juice and stir until dissolved (do not cook).
Let the mixture sit overnight in the bowl.
The next morning, the jam will be ready.
If desired, you can boil the pulp in water to extract the remaining juices, strain the pulp out of the juice, add a generous amount of sugar, and enjoy a refreshing juice drink.

Variations

Add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Mix in some crushed mint leaves for a refreshing flavor.
Experiment with different berries for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean the berries thoroughly and remove them from the stems before mashing them into a pulp.

- Let the sugar dissolve in the juice overnight to ensure a smooth and sweet jelly.

- Boiling the pulp in water can help extract even more juice for a refreshing drink.

Serving Suggestions

Spread this jelly on toast, scones, or crackers for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the sugar dissolve in the juice overnight for the best results.

- Boiling the pulp in water can help extract more juice for a refreshing drink.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh red currants, you can use frozen berries instead.

- You can also substitute honey for sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This jelly can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this jelly in a decorative jar or bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Russian-style Red Currant Jelly pairs well with cheese, crackers, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store this jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Russian-style Red Currant Jelly contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Russian-style Red Currant Jelly contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

This jelly is fat-free.

Proteins

There is no protein in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Red currants are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, making this jelly a nutritious choice.

Alergens

This recipe may contain traces of allergens such as sugar.

Summary

Russian-style Red Currant Jelly is a low-calorie, fat-free spread that is rich in vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Russian-style Red Currant Jelly is a delicious and tangy spread that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this jelly is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make Russian-style Red Currant Jelly. It all started with a visit to my aunt's house in the countryside.

My aunt was known for her amazing culinary skills, and I always looked forward to visiting her and learning new recipes. On this particular visit, she had just returned from a trip to Russia and brought back a basket full of fresh red currants. She was eager to show me how to make a traditional Russian jelly using these delicious berries.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she began to walk me through the process. First, we washed and stemmed the currants, then placed them in a large pot with a little water. We let the berries simmer until they were soft and juicy, then strained them through a cheesecloth to extract the juice.

Next, we added sugar to the juice and brought it to a boil, stirring constantly until it reached the perfect consistency. The aroma of the bubbling jelly filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

After the jelly had cooled and set, my aunt spread it on a slice of warm bread for me to try. The sweet and tangy flavor of the red currants was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I was hooked.

From that day on, I made it a point to learn as much as I could about Russian cuisine and traditional recipes. I sought out local farmers who grew red currants and stocked up on the berries whenever they were in season. I experimented with different variations of the jelly, adding spices like cinnamon and cloves for a unique twist.

Over the years, I perfected my recipe for Russian-style Red Currant Jelly, and it became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make batches of the jelly to give as gifts to friends and family, and they always raved about how delicious it was.

As I grew older, I began to pass down the recipe to my own grandchildren, just as my aunt had done for me. I showed them how to pick the ripest red currants, how to extract the juice, and how to achieve the perfect jelly consistency.

Now, whenever I make a batch of Russian-style Red Currant Jelly, I am transported back to that day in my aunt's kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of berries and the warmth of family. It is a tradition that I hope will continue for generations to come, a reminder of the love and care that goes into each jar of homemade jelly. And every time I take a bite of that sweet and tangy jelly, I am reminded of the joy of discovery and the magic of cooking with loved ones.