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

Scale

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