Bittersweet Winter Melon & Oolong Tea Jelly

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, and cut into small cubes (approximately 1 cm).

   ~10 min
2. 2

   In a large pot, combine the winter melon cubes with 500 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the winter melon is tender.

   ~30 min
3. 3

   While the winter melon is simmering, steep the oolong tea leaves in 200 ml of hot water (around 90°C / 194°F) for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and discard the leaves.

   ~7 min
4. 4

   Drain the cooked winter melon, reserving the cooking liquid. Mash the winter melon into a pulp using a fork or potato masher.

   ~5 min
5. 5

   In a saucepan, combine the mashed winter melon, oolong tea, rock sugar, and the reserved winter melon cooking liquid (adjust liquid if needed to reach about 600 ml total liquid).

   ~1 min
6. 6

   Add the agar-agar powder to the mixture and whisk well to ensure there are no lumps.

   ~2 min
7. 7

   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to fully activate the agar-agar.

   ~5 min
8. 8

   Carefully pour the mixture into shallow dishes or individual ramekins.

   ~2 min
9. 9

   Let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

   ~120 min
10. 10

    Once set, unmold the jelly onto serving plates or serve directly from the dishes.

    ~1 min