Sweet Chilli Jam Recipe
Introduction
Sweet chilli jam is a vibrant and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Combining the sweetness of red peppers and sugar with the heat of chillies and vinegar, this versatile jam is perfect for glazing meats, serving with cheese, or simply spreading on toast.
Ingredients
- 8 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 10 red chillies, roughly chopped
- Finger-sized piece fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 400g can cherry tomatoes
- 750g golden caster sugar
- 250ml red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the red peppers, chillies (including seeds), ginger, and garlic into a food processor. Blend until very finely chopped.
- Step 2: Transfer the chopped mixture to a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the cherry tomatoes, golden caster sugar, and red wine vinegar.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any scum that forms on the surface to keep the jam clear.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: As the jam thickens and becomes sticky, continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning; the jam should resemble thick, bubbling lava.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly. Pour into sterilised jars and leave to cool completely before sealing.
Tips & Variations
- Use different types of chillies to adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Adding a splash of lime juice at the end brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- For a smoother jam, blend the mixture longer before cooking.
- Try pairing the jam with cheeses, roasted meats, or as a unique sandwich spread.
Storage
Store the jam in sterilised jars in a cool, dark cupboard where it will keep for up to 3 months. Once opened, refrigerate the jars and consume within a few weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but red wine vinegar provides a nice depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and heat.
Do I need to sterilise the jars?
Yes, sterilising jars is important to prevent spoilage and ensure your sweet chilli jam stays fresh and safe to eat for longer.
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Sweet Chilli Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4–5 jars (250ml each) 1x
Description
This sweet chilli jam is a vibrant and tangy condiment made from fresh red peppers, fiery red chillies, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a perfect balance of golden caster sugar and red wine vinegar. Cooked down to a thick, sticky consistency, this versatile jam offers a delightful combination of sweet heat and tanginess, perfect for enhancing meats, cheeses, and sandwiches. With its deep flavor and rich texture, it also makes a wonderful homemade gift during the holidays.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 10 red chillies, roughly chopped (including seeds)
- Finger-sized piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 400g can cherry tomatoes
Other Ingredients
- 750g golden caster sugar
- 250ml red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Place the deseeded red peppers, chopped red chillies (including seeds), peeled ginger, and garlic cloves into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is very finely chopped but not pureed.
- Combine in pan: Scrape the chopped mixture into a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the canned cherry tomatoes, golden caster sugar, and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Boil and skim: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. As it boils, skim off any scum or foam that rises to the surface to keep the jam clear and fresh-tasting.
- Simmer and reduce: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the mixture for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to develop.
- Thicken the jam: Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The jam should become thick, sticky, and resemble bubbling lava in appearance.
- Cool and jar: Remove the pan from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly. Transfer it carefully into sterilized jars. Seal the jars and let them cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Store the jam in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 3 months. Refrigerate after opening.
- Use sterilized jars to ensure the jam keeps longer and remains safe to eat.
- This jam makes a lovely gift; consider pairing it with other chilli-themed treats like chilli-chocolate covered almonds or a packet of chilli seeds.
- Adjust the quantity of chillies based on your preferred heat level.
- Stir frequently towards the end of cooking to prevent the jam from catching and burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: sweet chilli jam, homemade jam, chilli condiment, spicy sweet jam, homemade preserves, gift jam
