Quince jam with anise

Quince jam with star anise – a delicious and aromatic recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 4 jars of 400 g

Quince jam is a delight that should not be missing from any housewife's pantry. Its intense aroma and velvety texture make it perfect to enjoy on a slice of fresh bread or as a filling for pastries. The addition of star anise and cloves transforms this recipe into an unforgettable sensory experience. Let’s start our journey into the world of jams!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of ripe but firm quinces
- 700 g of sugar
- 1 l of water
- 3-4 star anise
- 3-4 cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the quinces: Wash the quinces well under cold running water to remove impurities. Peel them and cut them into cubes or slices, as preferred. Be careful to remove the seeds, as they can give a bitter taste to the jam.

2. Preparing the syrup: In a large pot, add the water and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

3. Adding the quinces: Once the syrup has started to boil, add the cut quinces. Let them boil over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Spicing: After 15 minutes, add the star anise and cloves. These spices will give the jam an irresistible aroma. Continue to simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes, until the quinces become translucent and the syrup thickens. It is important to stir carefully to avoid crushing the quinces.

5. Checking the consistency: To check if the jam is ready, place a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate. Let it cool for a few seconds, then tilt the plate. If the jam does not run easily and holds on the plate, it is ready.

6. Bottling: Boil the jars and lids for 10 minutes to sterilize them. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a little space at the top. Close the lids tightly and turn the jars upside down to create a vacuum.

7. Cooling and storing: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more intense aroma, you can also add a cinnamon stick during boiling.
- Quince jam with star anise is perfect to be served alongside goat cheese or as a filling for pancakes.
- You can experiment with the amounts of sugar, slightly reducing them for a less sweet version.
- To achieve a smoother consistency, you can blend the jam after it has cooled slightly, resulting in a delicious paste.

This quince jam with star anise recipe is not only simple but also a true feast for the senses, perfect for enjoying during winter or giving as a gift to loved ones. Enjoy it with pleasure!