Easy Sweet & Spicy Chili Jam Recipe: Homemade Flavor Burst

Crafting a vibrant chili jam brings unexpected excitement to your culinary adventures.

Sweet and spicy notes dance across your palate with each tangy spoonful.

Homemade condiments always taste more delicious than store-bought alternatives.

Local peppers and fresh ingredients make this recipe truly special.

Creative cooks love experimenting with heat levels and unique flavor combinations.

Summer gatherings become memorable when you serve this zesty spread alongside grilled meats or crispy appetizers.

Unleash your inner chef and surprise everyone with this simple yet spectacular condiment.

What Pairs Well With Nigella Chili Jam

• Spice Up Protein Pairings: Spread this chili jam over grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or pan-seared salmon for a zesty flavor boost that transforms simple proteins into restaurant-worthy dishes.
• Cheese Board Companion: Serve alongside creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or tangy goat cheese to create a perfect sweet-heat balance that elevates your charcuterie experience.
• Wine and Jam Harmony: Complement the jam's spicy-sweet profile with off-dry Riesling, crisp Gewürztraminer, or light-bodied Pinot Noir to balance the heat and enhance the overall tasting experience.

How To Store Nigella Chili Jam After Cooking

• Store chili jam in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, keeping the seal tight and using clean utensils when scooping.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Properly sealed sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 1-2 months before opening, ensuring no moisture or contamination.
• Always use clean, dry spoons when scooping jam to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Nigella Chili Jam FAQs Made Easy

• What are the key ingredients for this chili jam?

Red bell peppers, chilies, jam sugar, and cider vinegar are the primary ingredients that create a sweet and spicy condiment.

• Do I need special equipment to make this chili jam?

A food processor for chopping peppers and a wide pan for cooking are essential tools for preparing this recipe successfully.

• How long will this chili jam last after preparation?

When properly sealed in sterilized jars, the chili jam can typically last 3-4 months in a cool, dark pantry, and should be refrigerated after opening.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the jam?

Yes, you can control the heat by varying the type and quantity of chilies used, allowing you to create a milder or more intense version according to your preference.

What’s To Love About Nigella Chili Jam

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Blend peppers in a food processor and transform them into a delicious jam with minimal kitchen equipment and straightforward steps.
• Versatile Condiment: Perfect for adding zesty flavor to sandwiches, cheese boards, grilled meats, and as a vibrant dipping sauce that elevates everyday meals.
• Homemade Gourmet Touch: Create a professional-quality preserve that impresses friends and family, showcasing your culinary skills without requiring advanced cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Heat Level: Easily adjust the spiciness by selecting different types of peppers, making this recipe adaptable to various taste preferences and heat tolerances.

Nigella Chili Jam Ingredient Guide

• Red Bell Peppers: Sweet peppers that provide a vibrant color and mild flavor base for the jam.
• Red Chili Peppers: Hot peppers that add spicy heat and intense flavor to the jam.

• Jam Sugar, Cider Vinegar: The sugar helps the jam set and provides sweetness, while the vinegar adds tang and helps preserve the jam.

• Food Processor: Essential tool for finely chopping the peppers into a consistent mixture.
• Sterilised Jars: Clean jars ensure the jam remains safe and preserved for longer storage.

How To Make Nigella Chili Jam From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Peppers

Grab a mix of red bell peppers and fiery chilies. Toss them into a food processor and pulse until they transform into a colorful, finely chopped medley. The peppers should look like a zesty confetti ready to dance into your jam.

Step 2: Dissolve Sugar Magic

Select a wide pan and pour in cider vinegar. Sprinkle jam sugar over the liquid and let it gently dissolve, creating a sweet and tangy base that will make your chili jam sing with flavor.

Step 3: Boil the Flavor Bomb

Pour the chopped pepper mixture into the sugar-vinegar blend. Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling, vigorous boil. Let it bubble and simmer intensely for 10 full minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and concentrate their delicious essence.

Step 4: Cool and Set

Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool naturally for about 40 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to ensure even cooling and consistent texture. The mixture will start to thicken and develop a glossy, rich appearance.

Step 5: Jar and Preserve

Carefully spoon the vibrant chili jam into sterilized glass jars. Seal the lids tightly, ensuring a perfect preservation of your homemade condiment. These jars will store beautifully, ready to add a spicy kick to sandwiches, cheese plates, or marinades.

Useful Tips For Nigella Chili Jam Success

• Choose Fresh Peppers: Select ripe, vibrant bell peppers and chilies for maximum flavor and color intensity.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to customize heat according to personal preference or tolerance.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Thoroughly clean and sterilize glass jars to ensure safe preservation and prevent bacterial growth.
• Achieve Perfect Consistency: Boil jam for exactly 10 minutes to reach the right thickness without overcooking or burning.
• Store Smartly: Keep chili jam in a cool, dark place and consume within 3-4 months for optimal taste and quality.

Tasty Ways To Tweak Nigella Chili Jam

• Mild Chili Blend: Replace hot peppers with bell peppers and add a small amount of paprika for gentle heat, perfect for those with sensitive palates.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple during cooking to create a sweet-spicy Caribbean-inspired jam with vibrant tropical notes.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce jam sugar quantity, making it suitable for diabetic or health-conscious individuals while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Herbal Infusion: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or basil during cooling stage to introduce additional aromatic complexity and subtle green undertones.

Chili Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet chili jam dances with bold flavors, bringing Southeast Asian zest to your kitchen. Heat from red chilies and sugar’s caramel notes create a perfect condiment that will elevate sandwiches, grilled meats, and cheese plates with one delicious swipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) long red chilies, deseeded and chopped
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) red bell peppers, chopped

Sugar and Vinegar:

• 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) jam sugar
• 600 milliliters (20.3 fluid ounces) cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend red peppers and chili peppers in a food processor until they reach a fine, uniform consistency.
2. Select a spacious saucepan and carefully melt jam sugar into cider vinegar, stirring until completely dissolved.
3. Incorporate the processed pepper mixture into the vinegar-sugar liquid, raising heat to trigger a vigorous boil that continues intensely for precisely 10 minutes.
4. Monitor the mixture closely, ensuring it maintains a robust bubbling action without overflowing or burning.
5. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat source and allow the jam to rest and cool for approximately 40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent surface film formation.
6. While cooling, prepare clean, sterilized glass jars with secure lids.
7. Once the jam reaches a slightly thickened, spreadable texture, carefully transfer the mixture into prepared jars using a clean spoon.
8. Seal jars tightly, ensuring a complete vacuum seal to preserve the jam’s freshness and prevent contamination.
9. Allow sealed jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing in a cool, dark pantry or refrigerator.

Notes

• Chop peppers and chilies with varying heat levels to customize spiciness according to personal preference.
• Select jam sugar with pectin for perfect consistency and ensure a glossy, spreadable texture.
• Test jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a cold plate – it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger, indicating proper setting.
• Sterilize jars thoroughly by washing in hot, soapy water or running through a dishwasher cycle to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 50g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg