If you love a mix of sweet and spicy, this Jalapeno Strawberry Jam is about to become your new favorite. This unique blend of juicy strawberries and zesty jalapenos creates a jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or adding a surprising twist to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re an experienced jam maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and fun to make!
Benefits:
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the mild heat of the jalapenos, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both exciting and delicious.
- Versatile Uses: This jam isn’t just for breakfast! It’s great as a topping for biscuits, an addition to cheese boards, or even as a glaze for meats.
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own jam at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and preservative-free product.
- Gift-Worthy: This unique jam makes for a thoughtful and tasty homemade gift, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 2-3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon powdered fruit pectin
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by hulling and dicing the fresh strawberries. Finely chop the jalapeno peppers, making sure to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder jam.
- Cook the Jam: In a large saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, chopped jalapenos, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The strawberries should soften, and the mixture should thicken slightly.
- Add the Pectin: In a small bowl, dissolve the powdered fruit pectin in 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the saucepan and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Cool and Jar the Jam: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
Helpful Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier jam, leave some of the jalapeno seeds in or use more peppers. For a milder jam, remove all seeds and use fewer peppers.
- Sterilize Your Jars: Ensure your jars are properly sterilized before filling them with jam to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life.
- Check the Consistency: If your jam seems too thin after simmering, you can continue to cook it for a few more minutes to achieve the desired thickness.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but you may need to cook the jam a bit longer to evaporate the extra water content from the frozen fruit.
Q: How long will the jam last?
A: Stored in the refrigerator, the jam should last for about 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, consider using a water bath canning method.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A: The sugar is essential for both the taste and preservation of the jam. Reducing it may affect the texture and shelf life.
Serving Suggestions:
- Spread on warm toast or freshly baked biscuits for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Pair with soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese on a charcuterie board.
- Use as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork to add a sweet and spicy kick.
- Mix into yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful twist.
Servings:
- Makes about 2-3 small jars of jam, depending on the size of your jars.
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Card
Jalapeno Strawberry Jam: A Sweet and Spicy Delight
If you love a mix of sweet and spicy, this Jalapeno Strawberry Jam is about to become your new favorite. This unique blend of juicy strawberries and zesty jalapenos creates a jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or adding a surprising twist to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re an experienced jam maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and fun to make!
Ingredients
- – 1 pound fresh strawberries hulled and diced
- – 2-3 jalapeno peppers seeded and finely chopped
- – 2 cups granulated sugar
- – 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- – 1 tablespoon powdered fruit pectin
Instructions
- **Prepare the Ingredients**: Start by hulling and dicing the fresh strawberries. Finely chop the jalapeno peppers, making sure to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder jam.
- **Cook the Jam**: In a large saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, chopped jalapenos, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- **Bring to a Boil**: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- **Simmer and Thicken**: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The strawberries should soften, and the mixture should thicken slightly.
- **Add the Pectin**: In a small bowl, dissolve the powdered fruit pectin in 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the saucepan and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- **Cool and Jar the Jam**: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.