Whew, you wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had! Just a few hours ago, I was rushing around the kitchen, trying to get this Tomato Chilli Jam recipe perfect. You see, my sister-in-law is coming over for a family dinner tonight, and she’s been begging me to make her a batch ever since I first shared a taste with her last month. Let me tell you, this Tomato Chilli Jam is seriously addictive – the sweet, tangy tomatoes combined with the subtle heat from the chili peppers is out of this world!
I remember the first time I made it. I was a little nervous, to be honest. I’d never attempted homemade jam before, let alone one with a spicy kick. But let me tell you, the effort was so worth it. The moment I spooned that deep red, glistening jam onto a cracker and took a bite, I was hooked. The flavors just exploded in my mouth, and I couldn’t help but go back for more. I knew right then and there that this Tomato Chilli Jam recipe was going to become a staple in my kitchen.
Why This Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Tomato Chilli Jam
What makes this Tomato Chilli Jam recipe so special is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and heat. The key is in the careful selection and preparation of the tomatoes and chili peppers. I use a combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes and a blend of milder and spicier chili peppers to create a jam that’s bursting with flavor but not too overpowering. The secret ingredient that really takes it to the next level? A touch of balsamic vinegar, which adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tomatoes – I prefer to use a mix of Roma and cherry tomatoes for the best texture and sweetness.
- Chili peppers – A combination of jalapeños and serrano peppers provides the perfect amount of heat.
- Onion – Finely chopped onion adds a savory base to the jam.
- Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sugar – A combination of white and brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Balsamic vinegar – This adds a rich, tangy note that ties everything together.
- Spices – A dash of cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes complements the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Tomato Chilli Jam Instructions
Preparing Your Tomato Chilli Jam
Making this Tomato Chilli Jam is surprisingly easy, and the results are so worth it. The whole process takes just about an hour, start to finish. You’ll need a large saucepan or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Start by dicing the tomatoes, onion, and chili peppers. I like to keep the pieces fairly small for a smooth, spreadable texture.
2- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3- Once the tomatoes have released their juices and the mixture is simmering, add the sugar and balsamic vinegar. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the jam simmer, stirring frequently, for about 45 minutes.
4- Keep an eye on the jam, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture has thickened to a spreadable consistency and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
5- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Tomato Chilli Jam cool slightly before transferring it to jars or an airtight container.
6- Once cooled, your homemade Tomato Chilli Jam is ready to enjoy! Serve it up with crackers, cheese, or use it as a condiment for burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Tomato Chilli Jam is to let the flavors develop slowly. Don’t be tempted to rush the simmering process – take your time and stir frequently to ensure the jam reaches the right consistency. Also, be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. If you find the heat level a bit too intense, try adding a touch more sugar to balance it out.
Serving and Storing Your Tomato Chilli Jam
Perfect Pairings for Tomato Chilli Jam
This Tomato Chilli Jam is incredibly versatile. I love to serve it alongside a cheese board, with crusty bread or crackers, or as a condiment for grilled meats and burgers. It also makes a fantastic addition to a charcuterie platter or a breakfast spread. For drinks, I’d recommend pairing it with a crisp white wine, a refreshing lager, or a bold, spicy Bloody Mary.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Tomato Chilli Jam has a pretty long shelf life, so it’s the perfect make-ahead condiment. Once cooled, transfer the jam to sterilized jars or airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can even freeze the jam for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Tomato Chilli Jam
Creative Tomato Chilli Jam Variations
While the classic version is a real crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize this Tomato Chilli Jam to suit your tastes. Try swapping in different types of chili peppers, like habanero or ghost peppers, for a more intense heat. You could also experiment with adding herbs like basil or rosemary, or even a splash of red wine vinegar for a tangier flavor profile. And for a seasonal twist, consider using a mix of fresh and roasted tomatoes in the summer, or switching to canned diced tomatoes in the winter.
Making Tomato Chilli Jam Diet-Friendly
This Tomato Chilli Jam recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make it vegan by substituting the white and brown sugar with your preferred granulated sweetener. For a low-carb version, you can reduce the sugar content and use a sugar-free sweetener instead. No matter your dietary needs, this versatile jam can be easily adapted to fit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of tomato instead of Roma and cherry?
A: Absolutely! While I prefer the texture and sweetness of Roma and cherry tomatoes, you can use any variety you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the jam may have a slightly different consistency depending on the tomato type.
Q: How long does the Tomato Chilli Jam need to simmer?
A: The jam should simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring frequently, until it has thickened to a spreadable consistency. Keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Q: Can I make this jam ahead of time?
A: Yes, Tomato Chilli Jam is a great make-ahead condiment. Once cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How much does this recipe yield?
A: This Tomato Chilli Jam recipe makes approximately 2 cups of jam, which is enough to fill 2-3 standard jars. The yield may vary slightly depending on the juiciness of your tomatoes.
Q: What if my jam is too thin or too thick?
A: If the jam is too thin, simply continue simmering it, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of water or additional balsamic vinegar.
Tomato Chilli Jam
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8
Description
Discover the secrets to making an irresistible Tomato Chilli Jam at home in just 30 minutes. This easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, creating a versatile condiment that will elevate your snacks, appetizers, and more.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. – In a large saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes and chopped chili peppers.
2. – Add the sugar, apple cider vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine.
3. – Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, until the jam has thickened and the flavors have melded.
4. – Remove the jam from heat and allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars or an airtight container.
5. – Store the Tomato Chilli Jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
– For a spicier jam, add an extra chili pepper or use a hotter variety.
– Try serving the jam with crackers, cheese, or as a condiment for grilled meats and sandwiches.
– The jam can be canned for longer-term storage following safe canning practices.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try this Tomato Chilli Jam recipe as I am! The sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors make it a truly versatile condiment that you’ll want to keep on hand at all times. Whether you’re serving it up as an appetizer, topping your burgers, or using it to add a flavor punch to your meals, this homemade Tomato Chilli Jam is sure to become a new household favorite. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up a batch – your taste buds (and your family and friends) will thank you!