Mint Jelly

(3)

This easy-to-make condiment is the classic partner for roast lamb.

Yield:
2 cups

Mint jelly is a classic condiment served alongside roasted leg of lamb, and for good reason. Mint has long been paired with lamb in the United Kingdom, and the combination eventually made its way across the pond in the mid-1900s. The herb's fresh, slightly sweet flavor and floral aroma are the perfect addition to any meaty dish. While mint pairs particularly well with the robust flavor of lamb, it also works wonders in dishes like roast pork or grilled fish. 

There are just a few simple ingredients needed for our mint jelly recipe: fresh mint, sugar, lemon juice, water, and liquid pectin all simmer together to create the refreshing jelly. It doesn’t take long to make, and is so much better than store-bought versions. Lemon juice helps balance out the sweetness of the jelly, but also cuts through the fattiness of the meat it’s served with. Our mint jelly is a lovely complement to a holiday roast or a weeknight dinner. 

Mint Jelly

Grant Webster

What Is Mint Jelly?

Mint jelly is a sweet jam-like condiment flavored with lots of fresh mint and a splash of lemon juice. It is traditionally served alongside roasted meats, especially roast lamb.

What Makes Mint Jelly Green?

Our recipe calls for a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a grassy green color. Food coloring is optional. If you don't want to use it you can still make the jelly but it will take on a more natural pale yellow hue.

Why We Use Liquid Pectin

Liquid pectin is a plant-based thickening agent. It is most often used to thicken jellies that don't contain fruit as a natural source of pectin. Unlike animal-based gelatin, another thickener, pectin is made from ingredients like apples and citrus.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh mint, firmly packed

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 3 ½ cups sugar

  • 3 ounces liquid pectin

  • 2 drops green food coloring

Directions

Mint Jelly ingredients

Grant Webster

  1. Blend mint and water:

    Blend mint and 2 cups water in the jar of a blender until mint is finely chopped.

    Step 1a Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

    Step 1b Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  2. Bring to boil and steep:

    Transfer to a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let steep 45 minutes.

    Step 2 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  3. Strain:

    Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into bowl; reserve liquid (1 3/4 to 2 cups). Discard mint.

    Step 3 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  4. Boil jelly:

    Return liquid to saucepan; add lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute.

    Step 4 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  5. Add pectin:

    Add pectin, and return to a boil; cook 1 minute.

    Step 5 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

    Pectin needs one full minute to activate. Set a timer to make sure it boils long enough.

  6. Stir in food coloring

    Remove from heat; stir in food coloring.

    Step 6a Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

    Step 6b Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  7. Skim:

    Skim surface of jelly.

    Step 7 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  8. Transfer to a container, and chill:

    Transfer to a large container; let cool completely. Cover; let chill overnight.

    Step 8 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

  9. Serve or store:

    Transfer to a serving dish, or store in the refrigerator.

    Step 9 Mint Jelly

    Grant Webster

The Best Way to Store Mint Jelly

Mint Jelly

Grant Webster

When properly stored, our mint jelly recipe will last for five days. Simply seal it in an airtight container and keep it cool in the refrigerator.

If you use a canning technique to preserve the mint jelly, it will last up to one year.

Other Ways to Use Mint Jelly

While mint jelly and lamb are a classic pairing, there are many other ways to use leftover mint jelly:

  • Brushed over fatty fish like salmon while grilling.
  • Mixed with lemon or lime juice in a marinade for pork chops.
  • Spread over bread for a hint of sweetness in grilled cheese.
  • Whisked into your favorite salad dressing instead of honey or sugar.
  • Stirred into yogurt or tahini to make a dipping sauce for vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mint jelly the same as mint sauce?

Both pair well with lamb, but mint jelly is a sweet jellied condiment. Mint sauce is thinner and more acidic, similar to pesto.

What is the best way to store mint jelly?

Our mint jelly should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than five days. Once opened store-bought mint jelly should also be refrigerated.

Can you freeze mint jelly?

Yes. Ladle jelly into clean jars, seal tightly, and freeze for up to six months. Leave about 1/2-inch of space at the top of each jar because the jelly will expand slightly in the freezer.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, May 2002
Updated by
Riley Wofford
riley-wofford-2018

Riley is an associate food editor for Martha Stewart Living.

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