Sweet Chilli Jam Recipe Easy Guide 2024

Imagine a condiment that transforms salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards into gourmet delights with just a dollop. Enter Sweet Chili Jam—a culinary gem that balances the heat of chilies with the sweetness of red peppers and the depth of garlic and ginger. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create your own batch of this versatile jam, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef looking to add a new dimension to your recipes. Sweet Chili Jam isn’t just another condiment; it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. With its vibrant colour and irresistible flavor profile, it’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Learn how to whip up a batch in just 30 minutes for a quick fix, or take your time to simmer it slowly for richer, more complex flavour. Join me as we explore the art of making Sweet Chili Jam—a staple that will soon become your go-to secret ingredient.

Recent Read: How To Make Italian Pizza Crust Make At Home Recipe 2024

Ingredients For Sweet Chili Jam

To create the perfect Sweet Chilli Jam, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients that harmonize to deliver its distinctive sweet and spicy taste. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Chillies: Choose long red chillies for a milder flavor profile, or opt for smaller ones to dial up the heat. Cayenne chillies are ideal for their slender shape and balanced heat. For those craving extra spice, adding 2-3 bird’s eye chillies will intensify the kick.

Red Bell Peppers: Essential for both color and texture, approximately 1.5 kg (about 8 peppers) of red bell peppers ensure the jam achieves its signature vibrant hue and thick consistency.

Garlic and Ginger: Enhance the depth of flavor with 10 cloves of garlic and 30 g of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped or blitzed.

Tinned Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for a 400 g tin of tinned cherry tomatoes, prized for their natural sweetness and thicker sauce consistency. If unavailable, high-quality diced tomatoes can serve as an alternative.

Other Ingredients: Include fish sauce for savoury undertones, rice vinegar for a touch of acidity, and caster sugar to balance and sweeten the jam to perfection. Water is also necessary to adjust the consistency during cooking.

Steps To Make Sweet Chili Jam

Creating your own Sweet Chilli Jam is simpler than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to whip up a batch of this versatile condiment:

Preparation: Start by preparing your ingredients. Deseed and roughly chop the chillies, ensuring you adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness. Peel and finely chop or blitz the garlic and ginger until they form a paste-like consistency.

Cooking Process

Blitzing and Mixing: Use a food processor to blitz the chilies, garlic, and ginger into a fine paste. Combine this paste with the tinned cherry tomatoes in a large pot.

Adding Other Ingredients: Stir in the red bell peppers (chopped into small pieces), fish sauce, rice vinegar, and caster sugar. Adjust the heat to medium and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Simmering: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Checking Consistency: The jam should gradually thicken and reduce in volume by about one-third. It’s ready when it achieves a sticky, jam-like consistency and displays a deep red colour.

Sterilizing Jars: While the jam is simmering, prepare your sterilized glass jars by washing them thoroughly and then sterilizing them in the oven. This ensures the jam stays fresh and safe for long-term storage.

Filling and Sealing Jars: Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, carefully spoon it into the sterilized jars while still hot. Seal the jars tightly to preserve the jam.

Storage and Usage: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Unopened jars can be kept at room temperature for several months. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks.

Ways to Use Sweet Chilli Jam

Sweet Chilli Jam isn’t just a condiment; it’s a versatile addition that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are five delicious ways to incorporate this flavourful jam into your meals:

Salad Dressing: Create a sweet and spicy dressing by mixing Sweet Chili Jam with olive oil, a splash of rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over mixed greens, avocado, and grilled chicken for a vibrant salad.

Sandwich Spread: Spread a generous layer of Sweet Chili Jam on bread before adding your favourite cheese and vegetables for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. The jam melts into a sticky glaze that complements the savoury fillings perfectly.

Cheese Board Accompaniment: Serve Sweet Chili Jam alongside a selection of cheeses on a charcuterie board. Its sweet heat pairs beautifully with both mild and sharp cheeses, adding a pop of colour and flavor to each bite.

Dipping Sauce: Use Sweet Chili Jam as a dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls, dumplings, or crispy chicken tenders. Its sticky texture and balanced flavours enhance the enjoyment of finger foods.

Meat Glaze: Glaze meats such as grilled chicken, pork chops, or salmon with Sweet Chilli Jam during the last few minutes of cooking. The jam caramelizes and forms a deliciously sticky coating, adding depth and sweetness to the dish.

Tips For Making And Storing Sweet Chilli Jam

Discover essential tips to master the art of making and storing Sweet Chilli Jam:

Sterilizing Jars: Ensure jars and lids are thoroughly washed and sterilized before filling them with hot jam. This process prevents contamination and extends shelf life.

Adjusting Spiciness: Customize the heat level of your Sweet Chilli Jam by selecting different types of chillies. Larger chillies tend to be milder, while smaller ones increase spiciness.

Consistency Check: Simmer the jam until it reaches a thick, sticky consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking and reduction.

Cooling and Sealing: Allow the jam to cool slightly before filling sterilized jars. Seal jars tightly to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.

Storage Guidelines: Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Unopened jars can be stored at room temperature for several months. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks.

Conclusion

Sweet Chilli Jam stands out as a versatile and delightful addition to any kitchen. Whether prepared quickly in 30 minutes or simmered slowly for richer flavors, this condiment offers a sweet and spicy profile that enhances a wide array of dishes. Its adaptability shines through in salads, sandwiches, cheese boards, and as a glaze for meats, promising to elevate both everyday meals and special occasions with its unique flavor combination.

The straightforward preparation, using ingredients like chilies, red bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and tinned cherry tomatoes, makes Sweet Chili Jam accessible to all home cooks. By following simple steps like sterilizing jars and adjusting the spiciness to personal preference, anyone can create a batch that suits their taste perfectly. Properly sealed and stored, this jam retains its freshness and flavor integrity for months, ensuring it’s always on hand to add a burst of creativity to your culinary creations