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Sweet and spicy Red pepper jam recipe

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Learn how to make a sweet red pepper jam recipe that makes a super-tasty addition to all kinds of dishes. It is easy to make and use as a spicy appetizer, a tasty spread on cheese or sandwich, or a glaze for meats and chicken. 

This sweet red pepper jam is a great way to preserve the flavor of summer peppers for later use in sandwiches, salads, and other recipes. Whether the jam combines Fresno peppers, jalapeño peppers, chili peppers or Cayenne peppers, making a jar of bell pepper jam is the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of sweet red peppers all year round!

It makes a delicious and versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like grilled cheese or crackers with cream cheese. 

canning pepper jam

Red pepper jam Ingredients.

Red Bell peppers – are a great source of Vitamin C and add a vibrant color to the chili jam. Use both red and green bell pepper pieces making jam more visually appealing.

Fresh long red chilies – are the main ingredient that gives the chili jam its heat and spicy flavor. They are also rich in capsaicin with numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and boosting metabolism. However, when using fresh chilies, it’s important to handle them carefully; wear gloves and avoid touching your eyes or face after holding them. 

cutting red peppers

Garlic – adds a subtle flavor depth and makes the recipe more complex. Garlic pairs well with the sweetness of the chili peppers, and its pungent flavor will bring out the sweetness in the peppers. However, it can also provide a bit of spiciness that will balance out the sweetness.

Shallot – is a type of onion that add a milder, sweeter flavor to the chili jam than regular onions. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Palm sugar is a natural sweetener that adds a unique, caramel-like flavor to the chili jam. It is also lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar, which may be a better option for people with diabetes.

Peanut oil is a good choice for cooking chili jam because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. It is also high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Red pepper jam recipe

Making this recipe is easier than you think. You will love it.

cutting red peppers

Prepare the peppers.

Cut all kinds of peppers longways, remove the seeds, and chop them in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely chopped but not pureed. Add other ingredients, such as oil, garlic, and shallots, and blend until smooth.

making red pepper jam

Fry the mixture.

Heat the pan over medium heat and add the pepper mixture. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

cooking red pepper jam

Stir in the sugar. 

Add grated palm sugar into a mixture and continue to boil for another 10 minutes or until it darkens and reaches a jam-like consistency.

red pepper jam final touches

Ladle into sterilized jars.

Once you achieve the consistency, ladle into sterilized jars.

Hint: You can use dried hot peppers, but before using them in this recipe, soak them in a bowl of boiling water for 15 minutes. Then, drain them and remove the seeds that are ready for use in this recipe.

spicy condiment

Preserving jam in Water Bath Canner

Water bath canning is an effective way to preserve chili jam for long-term storage

  1. Transfer the finished sweet chili jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the tops of the jars.
  2. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue or debris.
  3. Place lids on jars until they are just finger-tight.
  4. Place the filled jars in a canning rack or on a folded towel in a water bath canner or a large pot of boiling water. The water should cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
  5. Once the water is at a rolling boil, start a timer for 5 minutes.
  6. Turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the water using canning tongs. Place them on a towel-lined countertop and let them cool completely.
  7. Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it’s firm and doesn’t move, the jar is properly sealed. If it pops back up, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few days.

For those jars that are correctly sealed, store them in a cool dark place for up to 1 year.

sweet pepper jam

Variations

Red pepper jam is a versatile condiment that can be customized in many different ways to suit your taste preferences. 

  1. Thai-style: Add tamarind paste for a tangy, umami flavor.
  2. Mango pepper jam: This variation adds diced mango to the mix for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
  3. Onion chili jam: For a milder version of chili jam, you can add sautéed onions to the mix, which will help balance out the heat.
  4. Habanero chili jam: If you’re looking for a seriously spicy jam, try using habanero peppers in place of the milder long red chilies.
red pepper jam recipe

Equipment

food processor

Non stick Frying pan

Water bath canner

Storage

Store this delicious red pepper jam in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 6 month. However, if you want to extend its shelf life for up to one year, you want to make a canning jam. See the paragraph “Preserving jam in Water Bath Canner”.

Ways to use Red Pepper Jam?

You can use this Red pepper jam in many ways to add flavor and heat to a dish. 

Spread it on toast or crackers.

Like raspberry jam, use this red pepper jam as a sweet and spicy spread for bread, toast, cheese, and crackers. It makes a delicious holiday appetizer served over cream cheese like goat or soft cheese.

Use it as a glaze.

Red pepper jam is great for grilled meats like chicken or pork. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and spicy flavor.

Mix it into marinades or dressings.

Red pepper jam can be mixed with other ingredients to make a flavorful marinade or salad dressing. Or just spread the jam over the meat and let it sit for at least an hour and up to 8 hours. Alternatively, combine it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired dressing.

Serve it with charcuterie board.

Serve this jam alongside cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or ham as part of a Christmas charcuterie board. It also pairs well with olives and pickled vegetables.

Use it as a condiment.

Red pepper jam adds flavor to sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs. It’s a great alternative to ketchup or mustard for those who like a little heat. I love to dip these carrot fries in it.

Alternatively, use pickled mustard seeds.

Mix it into sauces or dips.

Red pepper jam can be mixed into sauces, dips or salsa like this salsa macha

Alternatively, mix it with mayonnaise and a dash of hot sauce for a quick and easy spicy mayo.

FAQ

Why is there no pectin in this recipe? 1

This recipe doesn’t call for pectin, I achieved the right consistency without using pectin. If you want to thicken the jam, you can cook it longer to evaporate more liquid and concentrate the flavors. You can also increase the amount of sugar, which will help the jam thicken and set.

sweet and spicy red pepper jam
Yield: 4

Sweet and Spicy Red Pepper Jam

chilli jam recipe

Learn how to make a sweet red pepper jam recipe that makes a super-tasty addition to all kinds of dishes. It is easy to make and use as a spicy appetizer, a tasty spread on cheese or sandwich, or a glaze for meats and chicken. 

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 long red chillies
  • 4 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 2 red capsicum
  • 1 head garlic peeled and roughly chopped
  • 200 g (0.8 cup, 7 oz) shallot chopped
  • 100 g (0.4 cup, 3.5 oz) palm sugar, grated

Instructions

  1. Cut all kinds of peppers longways, remove the seeds, and chop the red peppers in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely chopped but not pureed. Add other ingredients, such as oil, garlic, and shallots, and blend until smooth.
  2. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the pepper mixture. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Add grated palm sugar into a mixture and continue to boil for another 10 minutes or until it darkens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
  4. Ladle into sterilized jars.

Notes

You can use dried hot peppers, but before using them in this recipe, soak them in a bowl of boiling water for 15 minutes. Then, drain them and remove the seeds that are ready for use in this recipe. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

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Looking for other jams like this? Try these:

Vladka Merva on February 22nd, 2023

4 Comments on “Sweet and spicy Red pepper jam recipe”

  1. I just love the versatility of this jam, so many uses. The flavours are amazing too, I love the sweet peanut taste with the capsicums.

    Reply
  2. Ahh, thank you so much! A former neighbor used to gift us a jar of this every year and I’ve missed it so! Yours is SO much like hers and I am SO excited to now be able to make my own, thank youuuu!!

    Reply
  3. Ohh this jam is perfection! I added in jalapenos and used it as a the base for a sweet, cheesy, bruschetta and it was a huge hit.

    Reply

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