
This sweet and wobbly delight of your childhood gets a well-deserved vegan makeover. It’s vegan because it nixes gelatin, an extract that comes from the protein collagen found in the connective tissue of animals. (That’s right, gelatin is kind of gnarly stuff, once you think about it).
This recipe, though, embraces plant-based agar-agar instead. Infused with fresh strawberry juice and sweetened with maple syrup, this is the healthiest Jell-O recipe you’ll ever find!
Agar-agar is derived from seaweed and has a gelatinous texture when dissolved in water, thus making it a worthy fill-in for regular gelatin for all kinds of cool snacks and desserts. In addition to the use of agar-agar, this Jell-O recipe is preservative and additive-free. Instead, it’s compiled with the most basic and pure ingredients available.
The best part about this Jell-O recipe is that you can alter it according to the fruit flavor you crave. Instead of strawberry juice, use grape juice, apple juice, or any other fruit juice. The possibilities are endless!
Vegan Gelatin-Free Strawberry Jell-O
Serves two
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon agar-agar powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup freshly-squeezed strawberry juice (two cups strawberries will make about once cup juice)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Directions
Add the agar-agar to the water and stir until dissolved.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the juice, maple syrup, and agar-agar mixture. Whisk until the mixture is evenly combined and smooth.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil for about two minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the Jell-O mixture into individual glass cups, molds, or tray. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Garnish with slice fresh strawberries or with a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top.
Related on EcoSalon
A Brief Guide to Sea Vegetables and Their Health Benefits
Wise Concoction: Sea of Life Gel
8 Vegan Substitutes for Common Ingredients