Navel Orange Marmalade Recipe
This Navel Orange Marmalade Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy, with the added satisfaction of being homemade without any preservatives or pectin. It’s a simple, three-ingredient marmalade that pairs beautifully with a variety of breads. Whether spread generously on warm toast, Whole Wheat Sunflower Seed Bread, or Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread, it makes for a delightful breakfast treat. For a refreshing morning combination, serve with a glass of Muskmelon (Kharbuj) Juice for a truly wholesome start to your day.
This recipe gives you the freedom to enjoy a natural, vibrant marmalade with the full, bright flavor of navel oranges, complemented by the zestiness of fresh lemon juice and the richness of sugar. It’s a quick and easy spread that’s perfect for all ages and ideal for any occasion, from casual breakfast to brunch.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oranges | 2 lb (about 4-5 large oranges) |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 cup |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 2 Tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of marmalade
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~110 per tbsp |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 26 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Vitamin C | 30% of daily value |
| Calcium | 2% of daily value |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Oranges and Zest:
- Start by using a potato peeler to carefully peel the oranges, ensuring you only remove the outer bright orange layer. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can impart a bitter taste.
- Slice the orange peel into thin strips. Set aside for later.
-
Peel and Prepare the Oranges:
- Next, peel the oranges and remove any seeds. Cut the peeled oranges into wedges, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
-
Combine with Sugar:
- Add the sugar to the bowl of orange wedges. Gently mix and let the combination stand for about an hour. This step helps the sugar blend well with the juices of the oranges.
-
Blend the Mixture:
- After an hour, transfer the mixture into a blender or food processor and pulse it to a smooth, puree-like consistency.
-
Cook the Marmalade:
- Pour the orange puree into a deep saucepan. Set the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir it in.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to avoid caramelizing the sugars.
-
Add the Zest and Continue Cooking:
- After about 15 minutes, when the mixture has reduced by half, stir in the thin strips of orange zest. Continue cooking on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the marmalade thickens and has a glossy, jam-like consistency.
-
Cool and Store:
- Once the marmalade reaches the desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Let it cool completely, and as it cools, it will thicken even more.
- Transfer the cooled marmalade into an airtight glass jar, and store it in the refrigerator. The marmalade will keep well for up to 2-3 weeks when stored properly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- For a delightful breakfast or snack, spread this tangy, homemade Navel Orange Marmalade on Whole Wheat Sunflower Seed Bread or Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread. Pair it with a glass of refreshing Muskmelon Juice to kickstart your day with a burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Sweetness Adjustment: You can adjust the sweetness of this marmalade by reducing the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet spread.
- Additional Flavors: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods during cooking for a hint of spice in your marmalade.
- Smooth or Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier marmalade, pulse the oranges in the blender for a shorter time to leave some texture.
Why You’ll Love This Navel Orange Marmalade
- Natural Ingredients: No preservatives, pectin, or artificial additives—just fresh fruit and natural sweetness.
- Quick and Easy: This marmalade is simple to make, with just 3 core ingredients, and it only takes a little over an hour to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect on toast, in sandwiches, or even as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
- Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients, it provides a burst of vitamin C from the fresh oranges and lemon juice, making it an excellent addition to your daily breakfast routine.
Pairing Suggestions
- Whole Wheat Sunflower Seed Bread: The nutty flavor and hearty texture of this bread complement the citrusy sweetness of the marmalade perfectly.
- Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread: The richness of brown butter and the natural sweetness of banana pair beautifully with the tangy marmalade.
- Muskmelon (Kharbuj) Juice: A refreshing and hydrating drink that brings a touch of sweetness and balances the citrusy spread.
This Navel Orange Marmalade Recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying, offering a natural, homemade alternative to store-bought spreads. Enjoy the pure, citrus goodness in every bite!
