black jelly recipe

How to Make Black Jelly: A Simple Guide

Black jelly, or *heimian* in Chinese, is a refreshing, vegan dessert loved for its silky texture and subtle earthy flavor. Made from the mesona chinensis herb, it’s easy to prepare at home with just a few ingredients. Here’s a basic guide to get you started.

Ingredients:

- 50g black jelly powder

- 1 liter water

- 30g rock sugar (or to taste)

- Optional: lemon juice, honey, or fresh fruits for serving.

Steps:

1. Mix the powder: In a bowl, combine the black jelly powder with 200ml of cold water, stirring until smooth to avoid lumps.

2. Boil the water: Bring the remaining 800ml of water to a boil in a pot. Reduce heat to low.

3. Combine and cook: Slowly pour the mixed powder into the hot water while stirring constantly. Return to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Sweeten: Stir in sugar until dissolved. For a citrusy twist, add a splash of lemon juice now.

5. Set: Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

6. Serve: Cut into cubes and serve plain, or drizzle with honey and top with mango, strawberries, or grass jelly for a layered treat.

Enjoy this versatile dessert hot in winter or chilled in summer—it’s a crowd-pleaser any time!