Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
indian Iraqi agar agar jello recipe
Photo credit Joanna Nissim

Agar agar

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This layered jello is a vibrant centerpiece of Indian Iraqi Jewish celebrations, symbolizing joy and tradition.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 35 pieces

Ingredients

Units
  • 28.5 g agar agar (China grass or powder)
  • 230 g granulated white sugar
  • 1.2 liters water, milk or oat milk
  • a few drops of food coloring of your choice
  • 4 Tbsp flaked almonds, crushed almonds or crushed pistachios (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp rose water (optional)
  • icing sugar, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the agar agar in the milk or water for 2 hours.
  2. Once soaked, bring to a gentle simmer in a medium-size pot.
  3. Add the sugar and wait for everything to dissolve fully, stirring every few minutes. This should take around 5-10 minutes. 
  4. Add the food coloring and rose water, if using, and mix well.
  5. Once mixed, pour into a Pyrex dish through a sieve to ensure that no lumps are left.
  6. At this point, mix in your nuts, if using. Alternatively, wait for a skin to form on top of the jelly, which should happen after 5-10 minutes, and sprinkle with your nut topping of choice. 
  7. Leave to cool at room temperature, and then store in the fridge. 
  8. Cut into squares or diamond shapes and dust with icing sugar (optional) before serving.
  • Author: Joanna Nissim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes + 2 hours chill time
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: One-pot
  • Cuisine: Indian