Coffee jelly, a popular dessert in the Philippines, is a delightful treat that adds a unique twist to your regular coffee fix. Made with gelatin and coffee, this sweet and jiggly dessert is easy to make and perfect for any coffee lover. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making coffee jelly Filipino style, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious dessert right from the comfort of your own home.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before diving into the process of making coffee jelly, you will need to gather a few essential ingredients. These include:
1. Instant Coffee: Choose your favorite brand of instant coffee for a rich and robust flavor. The stronger the coffee, the more flavorful the jelly will be.
2. Gelatin Powder: Opt for unflavored gelatin that can be easily found in grocery stores. This ingredient is crucial for achieving the desired jelly consistency.
3. Water: You will need both hot and cold water in this recipe. Hot water will be used to dissolve the coffee and gelatin, while cold water will be used to set the jelly.
4. Sugar: To balance the bitterness of the coffee, a small amount of sugar is added. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
5. Condensed or Evaporated Milk (optional): Some traditional Filipino recipes call for condensed or evaporated milk to add a creamy element to the coffee jelly. This step is optional and can be skipped if desired.
Preparing the Coffee Jelly
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making the coffee jelly.
Step 1: Dissolving Coffee and Gelatin
Begin by dissolving the instant coffee and unflavored gelatin in hot water. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of instant coffee and 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder. Gradually pour 1 ½ cups of hot water into the bowl, stirring continuously until all the ingredients are fully dissolved.
Step 2: Adding Sugar
Once the coffee and gelatin have dissolved, add sugar to the mixture and stir until it completely dissolves. The amount of sugar depends on your desired sweetness level, but ¼ to ½ cup is usually sufficient. Remember that you can always add more sugar later if needed, so start with less to prevent overpowering the coffee flavor.
Step 3: Cooling the Jelly Mixture
Allow the coffee mixture to cool for a few minutes at room temperature. This step ensures that the heat from the hot water doesn’t interfere with the setting process later on.
Step 4: Setting the Jelly
After the mixture has slightly cooled, add 1 ½ cups of cold water to the bowl and stir well. This process will set the jelly and give it its characteristic texture. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pouring the Mixture
Once you have mixed the coffee jelly thoroughly, it is time to pour it into individual serving containers. Use small cups or molds that are heat-resistant and perfectly sized for individual servings. This step allows for easy serving and ensures that the jelly sets evenly.
Step 6: Chilling and Setting
Transfer the coffee jelly-filled molds to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 to 4 hours or until they are fully set. The cooling process allows the jelly to solidify and take shape, resulting in a delightful and jiggly dessert.
Optional Twist: Adding Condensed or Evaporated Milk
To give your coffee jelly a creamy twist, consider adding condensed or evaporated milk as a topping. This option is particularly popular in the Philippines, where the sweet and creamy taste complements the bitter flavor of the coffee jelly. Simply drizzle a small amount of condensed or evaporated milk over the set jelly before serving.
Serving your Coffee Jelly
Once the coffee jelly has fully set, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. Remove the molds from the refrigerator and carefully unmold the jelly onto serving plates or bowls. You can serve the coffee jelly as it is or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent treat. The jelly can also be cut into cubes and added to cold coffee or milk for a refreshing and delightful beverage.
Conclusion
Making coffee jelly Filipino style is a simple and enjoyable process that yields a delicious and unique dessert. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a sweet and jiggly treat that is perfect for satisfying your coffee cravings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a creamy topping, coffee jelly will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So why not try making this delightful dessert today and treat yourself to a delicious twist on your regular coffee fix?