Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam is a vibrant, sweet, and spicy condiment that instantly elevates the flavor of any dish. Perfect for spicing up sandwiches, serving as a dip with cheese, or glazing your favorite meats, this versatile jam is an essential addition to your kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweetness and heat, this chili jam guarantees to enhance your meals with just the right kick.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the steps to create your own batch of Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam, complete with tips to ensure it’s as deliciously fiery as you prefer.
What is Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam?
Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam is a homemade condiment made from a combination of red chilies, red peppers, sugar, and vinegar. It’s known for its glossy appearance, sweet and tangy taste, and a kick of heat that complements a wide range of dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Combines sweetness, tanginess, and gentle heat for a well-rounded condiment.
- Versatile Use: Great as a spread, dip, or glaze, adding a spicy twist to your meals.
- Long Shelf Life: Can be stored for months, making it a handy staple in your pantry.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few easy-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam
- Red Chillies: 150g (5.3 oz), deseeded for a milder heat or with seeds for extra spice.
- Red Peppers: 150g (5.3 oz), deseeded and roughly chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled.
- Ginger: 5 cm (2-inch) piece, peeled and roughly chopped.
- Caster Sugar: 200g (7 oz), for sweetness and to help the jam set.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 150 ml (5 fl oz), adds acidity and balance to the jam.
- Tomatoes: 4 large, ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped.
Useful Equipment
- Food Processor: For blending the chilies, peppers, garlic, and ginger.
- Large Saucepan: For cooking the jam mixture.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the jam as it cooks.
- Jam Jars: Sterilized jars with lids to store the jam.
- Ladle: Transfer the hot jam into the jars.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and deseeding the red chilies and red peppers. Roughly chop them, along with the garlic and ginger.
Step 2: Blend the Vegetables
Place the chilies, peppers, garlic, and ginger into a food processor. Blitz until you have a smooth paste.
Step 3: Cook the Jam Base
Transfer the chili paste to a large saucepan. Add the chopped tomatoes, caster sugar, and red wine vinegar. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Simmer the Jam
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky.
Step 5: Test the Jam
To check if the jam is ready, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate. If it thickens and holds its shape, it’s done. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Jar the Jam
Carefully ladle the hot chili jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small gap at the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place. The jam will continue to set as it cools.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam?
- Spread on Sandwiches: Adds a sweet and spicy kick to any sandwich.
- Serve with Cheese: Pairs beautifully with a cheese platter.
- Glaze for Meats: Use as a glaze for chicken, pork, or fish.
- Top on Burgers: A perfect topping for homemade burgers.
- Dip for Spring Rolls: A great dipping sauce for appetizers.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder jam, remove the seeds from the chilies. For extra heat, leave them in.
- Sterilize Jars Properly: This is crucial to prevent any spoilage.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Let the jam simmer slowly to develop its full flavor.
- Use a Food Processor: This ensures a smooth, consistent texture.
- Check for Setting Point: Test the jam on a cold plate to make sure it’s set before jarring.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam
- Add Lime Zest: For a citrusy twist, add lime zest to the jam.
- Include Herbs: Add fresh coriander or basil for a herbal note.
- Mix with Other Peppers: Combine with yellow or green peppers for a colorful jam.
- Infuse with Spices: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise during cooking for a spiced version.
- Use Different Vinegar: Experiment with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for different flavor profiles.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam Leftovers?
- Keep in the Fridge: Store opened jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
- Freeze for Later: Jam can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to six months.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store jars in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life.
- Check for Spoilage: Always check for any signs of mold before using.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam Leftovers?
- Microwave: Heat gently in the microwave to soften.
- Stovetop: Warm slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir Before Use: Always stir the jam after reheating to restore its smooth texture.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value
FAQs
How long does homemade Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam last?
Homemade Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam can last up to 12 months when stored in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jam in the refrigerator and use it within 3 weeks.
Can I use green chilies to make Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam?
Yes, you can use green chilies to make Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam. The flavor will be slightly different, with a more herbal and less sweet taste, but it will still be delicious.
Why is my Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam too runny?
If your Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam is too runny, it may not have cooked long enough to reach the setting point. To fix this, you can return the jam to the stove and simmer it until it thickens, or add a little more sugar to help it set.
Do I need to use a food processor to make Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam?
While using a food processor makes it easier to achieve a smooth consistency, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand if you prefer a chunkier texture or don’t have a food processor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam is a must-have in any kitchen, bringing a delightful blend of sweetness and spice that can transform a wide range of dishes. From glazing meats to spicing up sandwiches or pairing with cheese, this versatile jam is both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Embrace the fiery, sweet notes of this homemade condiment and make it a staple in your culinary collection!