Tomato jam is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways, from spreading on toast to serving alongside cheeses or grilled meats. Here's a basic recipe for making homemade tomato jam:
Ingredients:
- 2.5 pounds (about 1.1 kg) ripe tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Core the tomatoes and coarsely chop them. If desired, you can peel the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then transferring them to an ice bath. The skins should easily peel off.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, sugar, lemon juice, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmer until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. This may take 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Check Consistency:
- To check the consistency, place a small amount of the jam on a cold plate. Run your finger through it, and if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it's ready.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Blend (Optional):
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can use an immersion blender to blend the mixture to your desired texture.
- Transfer to Jars:
- Spoon the tomato jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims and seal with sterilized lids.
- Water Bath Canning (Optional):
- If you plan to store the jam for an extended period, you can process the jars in a water bath canner for 10-15 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Check the lids for a proper seal (they should not pop back when pressed). Store in a cool, dark place.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy the tomato jam on toast or English muffins.
- Use it as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables.
- Pair it with cheeses on a charcuterie board.
- Incorporate it into sandwiches or wraps.