Let’s prepare a fresh and 100% plant-based dessert with freeze-dried strawberries and agar agar, perfect for summer and suitable for everyone. This vegan strawberry jelly is a spoon dessert without refined sugars, fresh, light, and simple to prepare.
The freeze-dried strawberries provide an intense and authentic flavor, while the agar agar, a plant-based alternative to animal gelatin, creates a soft and delicate texture. Perfect for those following a vegan diet or looking for a guilt-free dessert.
Tips
You can replace freeze-dried strawberries with other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or mango.
For a creamier version, you can replace half of the liquid with coconut milk.
The jelly can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Portions: 3 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups water (or neutral plant-based drink, like unsweetened rice or almond)
- 1/2 teaspoon agar agar powder (about 2 grams)
- 3 tablespoons agave syrup (or another natural sweetener, optional, to taste)
- 1/3 oz freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 1 squeeze lemon juice (optional, to enhance the taste)
Steps
1 – Dissolve the agar agar:
In a saucepan, pour the water (or the plant-based drink) and add the agar agar powder. Mix well with a whisk to avoid lumps. Let it rest for a few minutes.
2 – Bring to a boil:
Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring. Let it simmer for at least 2 minutes: it is crucial to activate the gelling power of the agar agar.
3 – Add sweetener and strawberries:
Remove from heat, add the agave syrup (or chosen sweetener), the freeze-dried strawberry powder, and if desired, a splash of lemon juice. Mix well until you get a homogeneous and slightly colored liquid. If necessary, use an immersion blender for a few seconds to remove any lumps.
4 – Pour into molds:
Pour the mixture into molds, small glasses, or small containers. Let it cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until the jelly is completely set.
5 – Serve:
Gently unmold the jelly and serve it decorated with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder for a gourmet touch, or plant-based cream.
