Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Cheat’s tomato chilli jam is a quick and flavorful condiment that adds a sweet and spicy kick to any dish. Made with simple ingredients and cooked down to a thick, glossy jam, it’s perfect for sandwiches, cheeses, or as a glaze.
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: Combine the chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red chilli, grated ginger, star anise, caster sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam is thick and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly.
- Step 4: Transfer the jam to a sterilised jar and seal. Allow to cool completely before storing.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of chilli to make the jam milder or hotter depending on your preference.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika during cooking.
- Remove the star anise before serving for a smoother texture.
- Use white wine vinegar if you prefer a slightly lighter acidity.
Storage
Store the jam in a sealed sterilised jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks once opened, or unopened for up to six months. Reheat gently if needed before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes, but you may need to cook the jam a little longer to reach the right thickness due to higher water content.
Is this jam suitable for vegans?
Yes, all the ingredients used are plant-based, making this tomato chilli jam vegan-friendly.
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Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 jar (about 400-450g) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheat’s tomato chilli jam is a simple and flavorful condiment made by simmering chopped tomatoes, red chilli, ginger, star anise, caster sugar, and red wine vinegar until thick and glossy. This versatile jam adds a sweet and spicy kick to sandwiches, grilled meats, and cheese boards. It’s quick to prepare and can be stored for several weeks, making it a perfect homemade gift or pantry staple.
Ingredients
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 mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Cook until thick: Continue to simmer the jam for 30 minutes, allowing it to reduce and become thick and glossy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cool and store: Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the jam into a sterilised jar for storage.
- Preserve the jam: The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks once opened. If unopened and stored properly, it can last up to six months.
Notes
- Ensure the jar used for storing the jam is properly sterilised to extend shelf life.
- Adjust the amount of chilli to control the heat level according to your preference.
- The star anise adds a subtle licorice flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This jam pairs wonderfully with cheese, grilled meats, or as a flavorful sandwich spread.
- Use red wine vinegar for optimal depth of flavor; substitutes like apple cider vinegar will alter the taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: tomato chilli jam, chutney, condiment, homemade jam, spicy jam, easy jam recipe
