Jalapeno Jam
Jalapeno Jam offers a sweet and spicy kick with vibrant flavors of jalapenos and green peppers, balanced by the tang of cider vinegar. Perfect as a condiment for meats, cheeses, or snacks, this homemade jam adds a fiery twist to your dishes and impresses with its bold, colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Process half the green pepper, jalapeno peppers, and vinegar in a blender until smooth.
- Repeat with the remaining green pepper, jalapeno peppers, and vinegar, then combine in a saucepan.
- Add sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Add pectin to the mixture.
- Stir for 5 minutes, then stir in food coloring.
- Pour into hot sterilized jars and seal with paraffin.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder jam, reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove the seeds. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or zest. If you don't have pectin, you can use an alternative like chia seeds for a more natural thickening method. Remember to taste your mixture before sealing to adjust the spice level to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This jalapeno jam pairs beautifully with cream cheese on crackers for a delightful appetizer. It also complements grilled meats and can be used as a glaze for chicken or fish. For a sweet touch, try it with breakfast dishes like Squash Pancakes or spread it on toast alongside a warm bowl of Overnight Breakfast Sweet Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store the jalapeno jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year if sealed properly. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator where it can last for several months. To reheat, simply spoon out the desired amount and warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jalapeno Jam contains roughly 20 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the spice level of the jalapeno jam?
Yes, you can control the heat by adjusting the number of jalapenos you use and by removing the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the spice. For a sweeter jam, you can also add more sugar to balance the heat.
How long does the jam take to set?
Once you add the pectin and stir, the jam should start to thicken as it cools. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before checking the consistency, as it may firm up more after chilling in the refrigerator.
Is this jalapeno jam suitable for canning?
Yes, this jam can be safely canned using the water bath method, provided you follow proper sterilization techniques for jars and lids. Ensure the jam is sealed tightly, and store it in a cool, dark place for long-term preservation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).