| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 130 | 0g | 0g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 2g | 1g | 0.01g |
As soon as I rustled up this Orange Mastic Jelly for the first time, I knew it was a keeper. The vibrant citrus hues of the oranges, combined with the unique resin-like flavor brought forth by the mastic gum, ignited my kitchen with a thrilling Mediterranean magic.
I was born and raised in Portland, right where the Atlantic kisses the coast of New England. My usual pick revolves around local seafood, but this Orange Mastic Jelly made me fall in love with a dish that allowed me to step into the shoes of a Mediterranean matriarch if only for a fleeting moment.
The Power of Oranges and Mastic Gum
Not only is the Orange Mastic Jelly mesmerizing in taste, it takes on a unique wellness role in your diet too. The star ingredient, oranges, are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, preserving your skin’s natural glow and fending off those troublemaker free radicals. On the other hand, mastic gum is a forgotten secret of ancient Greece, known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits. More about it here.
And let’s not forget about the gelatin, which is a great source of amino acids and can boost skin health and potentially offer joint support. You might think that this gelatinous little dessert is all sugar, but eaten in moderation, it holds a multitude of health benefits.
Inspiration and Pairing
The recipe of Orange Mastic Jelly reminds me of a traditional Greek dessert called “Loukoumi”, which is also known as Turkish Delight. The exquisite and aromatic flavor of mastic gum transcends the norms of jelly, morphing it into an eastern Mediterranean delight few can resist. Get to know more about Loukoumi here.
You might be wondering what dishes pair well with this zesty dessert, and I have to say, given its light and fresh flavors, the Orange Mastic Jelly is the perfect finish to a hearty/savory seafood dinner. Imagine tucking into a delicious lobster roll or a bowl of hot clam chowder and then balancing out the palate with this Greek-inspired delicacy—a divine dining experience indeed! Just as I’ve taught my daughters Erin and Samantha, there’s an art to pairing diverse flavors, forming a gorgeous tapestry that our taste buds can dance on.
So next time you’re planning a dinner and want to end on a sweet note, this Orange Mastic Jelly might be the perfect piece to your tantalizing puzzle.
What You’ll Need
- 4 large Oranges
- 1 cup of white Sugar
- 3 cups of Water
- 1 tablespoon of Orange Zest
- 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons of Mastic Gum (crushed)
- 1/2 packet of unflavored Gelatin (about 1.5 teaspoons)
Method
Step One
Start by zesting one of the oranges and squeezing out its juice. Put the orange zest in a bowl and set aside. Next, squeeze out the juice from the remaining oranges and combine it with the orange zest.
Step Two
Put the water, sugar, orange zest and juice, and lemon juice into a saucepan. Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil over a medium to high heat.
Step Three
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. During this time, mastic gum should be crushed into a powder.
Step Four
After simmering, add the crushed mastic gum to the saucepan and stir well to combine. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for about 10 minutes more, or until the mastic gum is thoroughly dissolved.
Step Five
Now, mix the gelatin with a small amount of cold water in a bowl. Stir until the gelatin has absorbed the water and a thick paste has formed.
Step Six
Add the gelatin paste to the simmering saucepan and stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
Step Seven
Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Then pour the liquid jelly into serving dishes or a jelly mould. Let the jelly cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set completely.
Step Eight
Once the jelly is set, it’s ready to be served. Enjoy your Orange Mastic Jelly as a refreshing dessert or fruity snack!
