What Can I Use Instead Of Redcurrant Jelly For The Port And Stilton Gravy?

Our answer

Nigella's Roast Rib Of Beef With Port And Stilton Gravy (from CHRISTMAS) is a celebratory cut of meat that is served with a rich gravy made from meat juices, roasted onions, port, beef stock and stilton or other blue cheese. Port and stilton are a traditional combination and add an element of luxuriousness to the dish.

A teaspoon of redcurrant jelly is added to the gravy to give a slight touch of sweetness and balance out the flavours. Another seedless jelly, such as quince, apple, grape or blackberry, could be used as an alternative. We would avoid cranberry sauce in this particular instance as the sauce has a thicker consistency and will not dissolve into the gravy as easily. If you don't have any of the other jellies then we would suggest making the gravy without the redcurrant jelly and tasting it. You can add a pinch or two of brown sugar if you think that a little sweetness is needed, but you will probably find that the gravy is also delicious without.