Lilly Pilly Jelly (Easy Recipe)

Welcome to my kitchen, where I love to experiment with different combinations of flavors and ingredients to create new dishes.

One of my all-time favorites is Lilly Pilly Jelly, a sweet and tangy condiment made from native Australian berries.

I discovered this recipe during a camping trip in the Australian bush, where I picked fresh Lilly Pilly berries right off the trees.

Since then, I have been making this jelly in my own kitchen, and now I’m excited to share my recipe with you.

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Lilly Pilly Jelly Recipe

1. Reason 1: It’s a unique and delicious condiment that adds a burst of flavor to your breakfast toast, cheese board, or meat dishes.
2. Reason 2: It’s made with fresh, natural ingredients, with no added preservatives or artificial flavors.
3. Reason 3: It’s easy to customize the sweetness and tanginess to your liking, depending on the ripeness of the berries and the amount of sugar and lemon juice used.
4. Reason 4: It’s a versatile recipe that can be scaled up or down depending on how many berries you have on hand or how much jelly you need.
5. Reason 5: It’s a great way to use up excess Lilly Pilly berries, which can be prolific during the summer months.

Essential Equipment

• Large saucepan: This is needed to cook the berries and sugar mixture and allows for easy stirring.
• Muslin cloth: It’s used to strain the berries, ensuring that the jelly is smooth.
• Wooden spoon: This is used to stir the mixture as it cooks and prevents the jelly from sticking or burning to the bottom of the pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Lilly Pilly berries (2 cups): These are the star ingredient of the recipe, providing the unique flavor and beautiful pink color.
• Sugar (1 cup): This is used to sweeten the jelly and give it a desired consistency.
• Water (as needed): It’s used to boil the berries and create a liquid mixture to strain through muslin cloth.
• Lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons): This adds a tangy flavor to the jelly and also helps it to set.

How To Make Lilly Pilly Jelly

1. Step 1: Wash the Lilly Pilly berries and place them in a large saucepan.
2. Step 2: Add enough water to barely cover the berries and bring it to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for an hour or until the berries are soft.
4. Step 4: Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth, and let the liquid drip for an hour or until all of the liquid has been extracted.
5. Step 5: Pour the liquid back into the saucepan and add 1 cup of sugar per each cup of liquid. Add the lemon juice, and mix well.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil and stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
7. Step 7: Test the readiness of the jelly by placing a small amount of jelly onto a cold saucer and when given a shake, wrinkles appear.
8. Step 8: Once ready, remove the saucepan from heat, and carefully pour the jelly into sterilized jars. Allow the jelly to cool and set before refrigerating or serving.

5 Expert Tips and Tricks for The BEST Jelly

• Tip 1: Use ripe and fresh berries for the best flavor and color. Overripe berries can result in a mushy consistency, while underripe berries can be too tart or bitter.
• Tip 2: Do not push the mixture through the muslin cloth or cheesecloth, as it can make the jelly cloudy. Instead, let it drip naturally and don’t rush the process.
• Tip 3: Adjust the sugar and lemon juice amounts based on your personal preference. If you like a sweeter jelly, add more sugar, or if you like it more tangy, add more lemon juice.
• Tip 4: Skim off any foam or impurities that may appear on the top of the mixture. This can help make the jelly clearer and more visually appealing.
• Tip 5: Sterilize your jars and lids before storing the jelly to ensure its longevity.

Recipe Variations

• Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during the boiling process to infuse more flavors. Strain the herbs out before pouring the jelly into the jars.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeno to the mixture during the boiling process to add a bit of spice to the jelly.
• Add fruits like apples or cranberries to the mixture to create a unique flavor profile that complements the Lilly Pilly berries.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Storing: Store the jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly to avoid any bacterial contamination that can spoil the jelly.
• Freezing: Freeze the jelly in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw the jelly overnight in the refrigerator before using it again.
• Reheating: To melt the jelly again, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s liquid again.