Food & Cooking Recipes Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes Mint Jelly 4.0 (2) 2 Reviews This easy-to-make condiment is the classic partner for roast lamb. By Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Martha Stewart is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert who has taught millions of people through generations the joy of entertaining, cooking, gardening, collecting, crafting, and home renovating via her eponymous magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Emmy-winning television shows, and 99 books (and counting). Based in Katonah, N.Y., where she helms her 156-acre Bedford Farm, Martha is America's first self-made female billionaire. Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 20, 2023 Rate PRINT Share 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. How Long Do Homemade Jams, Jellies, Pickles, and Preserves Last? 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. Orange-Scented Cranberry Sauce 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 Grant Webster Blend mint and water: Blend mint and 2 cups water in the jar of a blender until mint is finely chopped. Grant Webster Grant Webster Bring to boil and steep: Transfer to a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let steep 45 minutes. Grant Webster Strain: Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into bowl; reserve liquid (1 3/4 to 2 cups). Discard mint. Grant Webster Boil jelly: Return liquid to saucepan; add lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute. Grant Webster Add pectin: Add pectin, and return to a boil; cook 1 minute. Grant Webster Pectin needs one full minute to activate. Set a timer to make sure it boils long enough. Stir in food coloring Remove from heat; stir in food coloring. Grant Webster Grant Webster Skim: Skim surface of jelly. Grant Webster Transfer to a container, and chill: Transfer to a large container; let cool completely. Cover; let chill overnight. Grant Webster Serve or store: Transfer to a serving dish, or store in the refrigerator. Grant Webster The Best Way to Store 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. How to Make and Can Your Own Jam 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 Rate It PRINT Updated by Riley Wofford Riley Wofford Riley is an associate food editor for Martha Stewart Living.