Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Mandarin Marmalade
Discover the charming Sicilian mandarin marmalade, a sun-kissed sweetness perfect for elevating your breakfasts and baking.
📖 What is it
Discover the charming Sicilian mandarin marmalade, a sun-kissed sweetness perfect for elevating your breakfasts and baking.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg organic mandarins
- ✓ 600 g sugar
- ✓ Juice of half a lemon
📊 Nutritional Information
Mandarin marmalade is a genuine Sicilian treasure, capturing the warmth and sunshine of my homeland in a jar. I fondly remember helping my grandmother prepare it on chilly winter days: the citrusy aroma that filled the kitchen was utterly intoxicating. This marmalade is just splendid spread on crisp toast or used to fill pastries like croissants and tarts. I recommend savouring it with a good cup of tea, sharing a cosy moment of sweetness and togetherness.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently scrub the mandarins with a coarse sponge to clean them thoroughly.
- 2
Peel the fruit, removing any internal fibres and seeds, then halve each segment.
- 3
Place the peels in a pan with water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Repeat this step with fresh water.
- 4
Allow the peels to cool slightly, then finely chop them in a blender and mix them with the mandarin pulp.
- 5
Pour the mixture into a large saucepan, add the lemon juice and sugar, and stir well.
- 6
Simmer gently for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the marmalade reaches your desired thickness.
- 7
Sterilise your jars by placing them in a pan lined with a cloth, cover with water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- 8
Fill the hot jars with the marmalade, leaving a 1 cm gap at the top.
- 9
Seal the jars tightly and turn them upside down on a cool surface to cool completely.
- 10
Store the jars in a cool, dry, and dark place.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a more aromatic marmalade, add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger while cooking. Alternatively, swap the mandarins for oranges for an equally delicious twist.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the marmalade in sterilised jars stored in a cool, dry place.
- • Once opened, store in the fridge and use within two weeks.
- • Ensure the jar lids are properly sealed to maintain freshness.
🍷 Pairing
This marmalade pairs beautifully with a sweet Sicilian wine such as Passito di Pantelleria.
Why not have a go at making this lovely mandarin marmalade yourself? It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of Sicilian sunshine into your kitchen and makes for a delightful treat at breakfast or teatime. Do share it around with loved ones – homemade marmalade always tastes better when enjoyed together.
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