Sweet Chilli Jam Recipe
Introduction
This sweet chilli jam is a vibrant and spicy condiment that adds a delicious kick to any meal. Made from fresh red peppers, chillies, and a touch of ginger, it balances sweetness and heat perfectly. It’s ideal for glazing meats, serving with cheese, or stirring into sauces.
Ingredients
- 8 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 10 red chillies, roughly chopped (with seeds)
- 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: Tip the peppers, chillies, ginger, and garlic into a food processor and blitz until very finely chopped.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the cherry tomatoes, sugar, and red wine vinegar, then bring everything to the boil.
- Step 3: Skim off any scum that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: When the jam starts to thicken, cook for 10–15 minutes more, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. It should look like thick, bubbling lava.
- Step 5: Allow the jam to cool slightly, then transfer it to sterilised jars. Let cool completely before sealing.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chillies before processing.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end of cooking for a fresh zing.
- Try swapping red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Use this jam as a glaze for grilled chicken or as a dip for spring rolls.
Storage
Store the sealed jam jars in a cool, dark cupboard. It will keep for up to 3 months unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 4 weeks. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peppers and chillies?
Fresh ingredients are best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen peppers and chillies if fresh are unavailable. Thaw and drain any excess water before cooking.
How long does the cooking process take?
The jam needs about 50 minutes of simmering plus an additional 10–15 minutes to thicken properly, so plan for around 1 hour total cooking time.
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Sweet Chilli Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4–5 jars (each approx 250ml) 1x
Description
This homemade Sweet Chilli Jam combines the fruity sweetness of red peppers and cherry tomatoes with the fiery kick of red chillies and ginger. Perfect as a tangy, spicy condiment or gift, it’s cooked slowly to achieve a sticky, thick texture that pairs wonderfully with meats, cheeses, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
Canned Goods and Condiments
- 400g can cherry tomatoes
- 750g golden caster sugar
- 250ml red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Tip the red peppers, red chillies (with seeds), ginger, and garlic into a food processor and whizz until very finely chopped, creating a coarse paste that will form the base of the jam.
- Combine and Boil: Scrape the finely chopped mixture into a heavy-bottomed pan, then add the canned cherry tomatoes, golden caster sugar, and red wine vinegar. Bring everything to a vigorous boil, skimming off any scum that forms at the surface to ensure a clear jam consistency.
- Simmer the Jam: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the mixture for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. The mixture will start to thicken as the liquid reduces.
- Final Thickening: Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes once the jam becomes sticky, stirring frequently. The jam should take on a thick, bubbling lava-like appearance, indicating it is ready.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it into sterilised jars. Let the jars cool completely at room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark cupboard. Refrigerate the jam once opened for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use sterilised jars to maximize shelf life and ensure food safety.
- Keep stirring frequently towards the end of cooking to prevent the jam from burning.
- The jam keeps for up to 3 months unopened in a cool, dark place; once opened, refrigerate and consume within a reasonable time.
- These jars make perfect gifts; consider pairing with chilli-themed treats for hampers.
- You can download and print labels for your preserves to add personalized notes or gift messages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Sweet chilli jam, homemade chilli jam, spicy jam, chilli condiment, preserves, gift jam recipe
