Zesty Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Fiery Delight

Tomato chilli jam ignites a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary meals into culinary adventures.

Crimson and glossy, this zesty condiment delivers a thrilling balance of sweet heat and tangy complexity.

Passionate food lovers crave its vibrant profile that dances between subtle warmth and bold intensity.

Crafted with precision, each spoonful captures the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes and fiery peppers.

Home chefs adore how this magical spread elevates simple dishes from predictable to extraordinary.

Carefully selected ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible jam that promises to turn every bite into a memorable gastronomic journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes in Tomato Chilli Jam

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for rich, fruity undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Shallots: Choose firm, smooth-skinned shallots with no soft spots for the sweetest flavor profile.
• Garlic: Pick plump, heavy cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum pungency.

• Fennel Seeds: Look for whole, greenish-brown seeds with a strong licorice-like aroma.
• Chilies: Select fresh, vibrant chilies with glossy skin and no blemishes for optimal heat.

• Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar: Opt for ripe, deeply colored tomatoes and aged vinegars with complex, balanced acidity.
• Granulated Sugar: Choose pure, fine-grain sugar for smooth texture and clean sweetness.

Equipment for This Sweet-Spicy Jam

• Large Saucepan: A spacious cooking pot perfect for simmering and reducing the jam mixture.
• Sharp Knife: Ideal for finely chopping shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and chilies with precision.
• Wooden Spoon: A sturdy stirring tool that helps mix ingredients and prevents sticking.
• Cutting Board: A clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately portioning out sugar, vinegar, and spices.
• Sterilized Glass Jar: A clean container for storing the finished tomato jam safely.
• Stove: A heat source for cooking and reducing the jam to the perfect consistency.

Steps to Make Tomato Chilli Jam

• Create Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pan. Gently soften shallots until they turn golden and release sweet aromas, transforming the kitchen with their delicate fragrance.

• Awaken Spicy Undertones

Toss in garlic, fennel seeds, and chilies. Dance these ingredients together for a few minutes, allowing their vibrant essences to mingle and intensify.

• Blend Robust Components

Tumble ripe tomatoes into the pan with a splash of sugar and vinegar. Stir everything together, watching colors and textures merge into a promising mixture.

• Transform Into Luscious Spread

Lower heat and let the concoction bubble gently. Stir occasionally as liquid slowly condenses and deepens, developing a rich, glossy consistency that signals perfect jammy texture.

• Seal and Store

Carefully pour the steaming mixture into a clean glass container. Let it rest and cool naturally, allowing flavors to settle and concentrate before sealing for future enjoyment.

Tips to Adjust Heat and Sweetness

• Boost Your Jam-Making Magic: Expert Tips & Twists
• Select Peak Produce: Choose ultra-ripe, deeply colored tomatoes bursting with natural sweetness for the most intense flavor profile. Farmers' market finds or homegrown varieties work best.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust chili quantities to match your personal spice tolerance. Remove seeds for milder results or add extra for a fiery kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Experiment with Herb Infusions: Introduce fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary during simmering to create unique flavor dimensions. Fresh herbs elevate the jam's complexity and aromatic depth.
• Storage Smart Strategy: Properly sealed jars can preserve this jam for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

How to Pair Chilli Jam with Food

• Spice Up Your Serving Suggestions
• Cheese Board Companion: Spread this vibrant tomato jam on a rustic wooden board alongside creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and crusty artisan bread for an elegant appetizer that will wow your guests.
• Grill Master's Secret Weapon: Brush this jam over grilled chicken, pork, or fish during the last few minutes of cooking to create a glossy, caramelized glaze that adds depth and excitement to your main course.
• Breakfast Flavor Boost: Elevate your morning toast or English muffin by generously spreading this rich, sweet-spicy jam, transforming an ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience that tingles your taste buds.

Preserve and Use It Later

• Preserve Perfectly: Keep your homemade tomato jam fresh and delicious with these expert storage tips.
• Refrigerate Right: Store the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks, ensuring maximum flavor and quality. The cool environment helps maintain the jam's vibrant taste and smooth texture.
• Seal and Protect: Use clean, sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Wipe the jar rim carefully before sealing to create an airtight environment.
• Freeze for Future: Want to enjoy this jam longer? Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying, preserving the jam's original robust flavors.
• Serving Suggestions: Bring jam to room temperature before serving to enhance its spreadable consistency and release full flavor profiles. Perfect as a condiment for cheese boards, grilled meats, or morning toast.

Spicy Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s tomato chilli jam blends sweet and spicy flavors from Mediterranean cooking traditions. Home cooks can craft this versatile condiment with fresh ingredients and simple techniques, creating a zesty spread perfect for enhancing multiple dishes.

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Ingredients

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• 800 g (28.2 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2–3 chillies, finely chopped (deseed for less heat)
• 2 banana shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 275 g (9.7 oz) light brown soft sugar
• 250 ml (8.45 fl oz) white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp fennel seeds

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium flame. Soften shallots until golden and translucent, then incorporate garlic, fennel seeds, and chilies, stirring to prevent burning and release their fragrant notes.
2. Combine Ingredients: Merge crushed tomatoes, sugar, and red wine vinegar into the pan, blending thoroughly to create a unified base for the jam.
3. Reduce and Caramelize: Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to slowly condense and caramelize, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it reaches a thick, lustrous jam consistency.
4. Jar and Cool: Carefully funnel the hot jam into a sterilized glass jar. Let the jam cool completely to room temperature before sealing the lid, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Consistently stir the mixture to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization, which is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
• Texture Check: The jam should reach a thick, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon, indicating it’s ready to be removed from heat.
• Sterilization Is Key: Always use thoroughly cleaned and sterilized glass jars to prevent bacterial growth and extend the jam’s shelf life.
• Cooling Technique: Allow the jam to cool naturally at room temperature to help it set properly and develop a perfect spreadable consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Breakfast
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: uk

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg