Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe

Sweet, tangy and sticky with an umami flavour describes Spicy Tomato Jam.

Perfect not just for the morning breakfast. Read on and find out about the other delicious uses.

As in any jam, the fresh fruit here is tomatoes. What does tomato jam taste like? Delicious sweet and sour, with an umami flavour.

Though the ingredients for Ketchup and tomato jam are about the same Tomato jam is more sour and sweet.

As for the steps, there is not much to do as the stuff cooks down to a delicious jammy consistency. You need to wait for the jam to simmer down. It takes a long time but when the tomatoes concentrate. But the thick preserve where you do not use pectin is something so satisfying. If you want a firm set jam however use pectin.

Contents:

• Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe and me
• Why make MSK Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe
• What are jams, jellies and marmalades?
• How to make Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe
• For Your Questions
• Some jams and preserves we like
• Recipe card
• Pin for later

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Why make MSK Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe

Make this spicy tomato jam  recipe not only because you have the bounty of the summer to finish but also

• The jam is delicious
• Easy to make
• Is not just a jam but can be a dip too
• Vegan
• Homemade

What are jams, jellies and marmalades?

I had been wondering for a long time what is the difference between the three. Actually my elder daughter, Apeksha asked me this question. My vague replies did not satisfy her. She sent me a link then which explained the differences. I rephrase it here.

• When you make jelly it is smoother and clear. This is because you use fruit juices to make jelly.  You can spread jelly on your toast and scones.

• Fruit pulp or crushed fruit is what you add to the pan when you make a jam. So jams are easily spreadable. So slather jam onto toast.

• When the fruit used is in pieces or chunks then you have a preserve. A reserve needs more fruit than a jam. Think of our mango muraba or this watermelon rind preserve. Like Jelly or jam, you can spread the preserve on toast. But it tastes best with a hot chapatti.

• So citrus preserves are called marmalades? Right? 

• Well, Marmalade is similar to jam. Only it is made with the Seville Oranges which are bitter. Portuguese Marmelos from which we get the word marmalade is made from quince. Which is just like the orange marmalade. Marmalades are used not only on toast but as glazes

How to make Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe

These are the ingredients you will need. For quantities please check the recipe card.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes
• Apple
• Onion
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Red chilli powder or cayenne pepper

Method:

• Put a white plain dish in the freezer and 2-3 teaspoons also. 15-20 minutes prior is fine. This is for your plate test.
• Cut a cross on the tomatoes. Toss them in hot water. Let them sit for about 30 minutes then you will be able to peel them easily.
• Meanwhile, squeeze the lemon into the thick-bottomed pan in which you plan to make the jam.
• Add to the pan chopped onions, peeled and chopped apple, sugars, vinegar, salt and red chilli powder.
• Bring to a boil on high flame. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer. You will need to stir occasionally for the first 2.5 hours.
• Then the mixture will start thickening and come to a jam-like consistency, say in about 30 minutes.
• Do the plate test. How remember the plate and spoons in the freezer? Get it out.
• Now add a spoonful of jam to the plate. Let it sit for half a minute in the fridge. With your finger/spoon push the jam.
• Did the jam leave the plate clean and become a ball? Did it get wrinkles? If yes your jam is done. Tip white plain plate so it is easier to see the jam clearly.
• Remove the jam from heat. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Place your bottles on a wooden board and transfer the jam into the jars. Tip the wooden board so that your jar does not break.
• Cool to room temperature, for 1 to 2 hours. Refrigerate.

Substitutes:

• You can use sour apples in place of a ripe ones.
• You can also leave out the apple completely that works too. But the apple works as a pectin replacement.
• Use pectin if you think your jam will not be set.

Variations:

• Add more red chilli powder for a spicy kick.
• Reduce or omit the red chilli powder if making it for kids.
• Add garlic and ginger they will taste awesome.
• Or I can use fresh ginger and cinnamon.
• How about some cumin and chile flakes? They are a great combo too.
• However, my next batch will however be this Indian Curry and Morrocan curry flavours.

Equipment:

You will need

• Thick bottomed pan
• Spoons and ladles
• Plain white plate
• Teaspoons
• Jars to store the jam

How to serve:

• On the spoon plain, just lick it off.
• On grilled cheese sandwich.
• The dal I make every day will taste yummy with this jam as one of the ingredients stirred in.
• Serve with eggs scrambled and fried eggs.
• In guacamole with avocado as a relish.

How to store:

• The jam will be good for several weeks in the refrigerator provided you can resist the jam.

I have taken this recipe from All recipes Spicy Cayenne Tomato Jam.

I have halved the ingredients but kept the original recipe as it is. When you halve the recipe your cooking time is also half.

I must thank Preethi Tandon Shridhar for choosing this exciting and delicious theme for Shhh Secretly Cooking. Made me sit up and think! Preethi's Poliodharai powder is the current favourite at my place.

This month I am paired with Radha from The Magical Ingredients and right now her Vegan Coffee Almond Bundt Cake is telling me that I have not baked in ages. I must bake this cake!!

In accordance with the theme rules, I gave Radha sugar and salt as her secret ingredients. She has made Minatamis na Bao. While she gave me apples and lemons as my secret ingredients.

For Your Questions

Protips:

• You are making jam to preserve fruit. Choose fresh fruit with no blemishes or damage on them.
• Why choose ripe fruit? Because they are high in pectin and your jam will set without the store-bought pectin.
• Wash and Clean the fruit well.
• Use granulated sugar.
• Use clean equipment.
• Do the plate test.
  • Put a white plain dish in the freezer. Just for a lark add 2-3 teaspoons also. 15-20 minutes prior is fine.
  • Now add a spoonful of jam to the plate. Let it sit for half a minute in the fridge. With your finger/spoon push the jam.
  • Did the jam leave the plate clean and become a ball? Did it get wrinkles? If yes your jam is done. Tip white plain plate so it is easier to see the jam clearly.
• Do not overcook your jam. I know you think it will set firm. Have you tried spreading a firm jam on a toast? A looser jam is easy to spread. Plus you may scorch the jam.
• If there is any scum remove it in the end.
• Use sterilised jars to store your jams and jellies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Some jams and preserves we like

Summary:

If you have loads of tomatoes make this Spicy Tomato Jam. It is one delicious way

• to preserve tomatoes
• enjoy breakfast
• use as a spread or a dip
• use it in everyday food too like your dal or stews.

Recipe card

Nutritional Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Please check with your nutritionist for your dietary needs and restrictions. Ultimately you are responsible for your decisions.

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