Lemongrass Jelly

Lemongrass Jelly, a refreshing cold dessert or palate cleanser that is quick and easy to make - perfect for the hot summer days.

Lemongrass Jelly, a refreshing cold dessert that is also an excellent palate cleanser for your dinner parties. Simple and easy to make, this recipe has the bold flavors of ginger balanced with the subtle citrus flavors of lemongrass. Lemongrass is a frequent ingredient in Singaporean and Southeast Asian cooking. I've always enjoyed the essence and aroma of lemongrass - in teas, desserts, savory dishes (like curries) and even in essential oils and air fresheners. 
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In this jelly recipe, it has a clean and crisp aroma with a distinct citrusy lemon flavor. Topped with the ginger syrup, it provides an overall purifying and refreshing effect. Hence, I reckon it would be a great palate cleanser in between or after meals.

Lemongrass Jelly
by Miss Crumbs A Lot, adapted from Daily Cooking Quest

Recipe
Jelly Ingredients
5 cups Water
3 stalks Lemongrass (white portions, cut into 2 inch sections and lightly pounded)
1/3 cup Sugar
1 packet Plain Agar Agar Powder (approx. 1/2 oz)
Lime 

Ginger Syrup Ingredients
3/4 cup Water
1/4 cup Palm Sugar (shaved)
1/4 cup Sugar
2 oz Ginger (skinned and lightly pounded)
2 pandan leaves (screwpine leaves) (rinsed and knotted)

Cooking Method
1. Prepare jelly first. In a pot, place lemongrass and sugar in 5 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the lemongrass, increase heat and add in agar agar powder. Stir until all agar agar powder has dissolved. Pour into molds and allow them to set in the refrigerator.
3. Prepare the ginger syrup next. In a small sauce pot, place shaved palm sugar, sugar, ginger and pandan leaves in 3/4 cup of water and bring it to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain and set aside.
4. To serve, remove jelly from mold and place on serving bowl or plate. Squeeze lime juice over jelly and drizzle some ginger syrup over. Garish with lime zest for more tangy flavors and colors.

Makes 4 servings (dessert portions)