Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
Introduction
This cheat’s tomato chilli jam is a quick and flavorful condiment that adds a spicy-sweet kick to any meal. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for enhancing sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 finely chopped red chilli
- 1 grated thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 star anise
- 250g caster sugar
- 150ml red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red chilli, grated ginger, star anise, caster sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt into a pan.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then cook uncovered for about 30 minutes until the jam thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 3: Remove from the heat and allow the jam to cool completely.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooled jam into a sterilised jar and seal tightly.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chilli or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
- Use white wine vinegar instead of red for a milder acidity.
- Ensure your jars are properly sterilised to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Storage
Store the jam in a sterilised jar in the refrigerator once opened. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Unopened and properly sealed, it can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Reheat gently if the jam becomes too thick before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used but you may need to cook the mixture longer to achieve the right thickness as fresh tomatoes contain more water.
Is this jam vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients used are plant-based, making this tomato chilli jam suitable for vegans.
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Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 jar (about 400-450g) 1x
Description
This Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam is a quick and easy condiment made by simmering chopped tomatoes with chilli, ginger, star anise, sugar, and red wine vinegar until thick and glossy. It’s ideal as a spicy-sweet accompaniment to sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled meats, offering a vibrant burst of flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Tomato Chilli Jam Ingredients
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 finely chopped red chilli
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1 star anise
- 250g caster sugar
- 150ml red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the 400g can of chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red chilli, grated ginger, star anise, caster sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt into a pan.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the pan to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
- Cook Until Thick: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 30 minutes without a lid, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and becomes thick and glossy in texture.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pan from heat, let the jam cool completely, then transfer it to a sterilised jar. Seal and refrigerate.
- Storage: The jam will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator once opened, or up to six months if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Ensure the jar is properly sterilised to extend the shelf life of the jam.
- You can adjust the level of chilli to suit your heat preference.
- This jam pairs well with cheese, grilled meats, and as a sandwich spread.
- For a smoother jam, you can blend the mixture briefly before cooling.
- Keep an eye on the simmering jam to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: tomato chilli jam, spicy jam, homemade chutney, easy jam recipe, condiment recipe
