Hot pepper jam

Spicy Pepper and Bell Pepper Jam: A Delight with Personality

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 250 ml

Welcome to the world of interesting jams! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that combines sweetness with spiciness: spicy pepper and bell pepper jam. This recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that will enliven your meals. The spicy jam is perfect to serve with cheeses or on pizza, and the combination of flavors will pleasantly surprise you.

Recipe History

Spicy pepper jam is an example of how we can transform ordinary ingredients into surprising delights. This recipe dates back to times when people sought ways to preserve vegetables and add flavor to them. Spicy peppers, with their hot taste, were combined with sweet bell peppers to create a delicious contrast. Today, this jam is a popular choice in many households, becoming a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g red spicy peppers (choose the freshest and shiniest ones)
- 1.5 kg red bell peppers (the bell peppers should be firm and blemish-free)
- 1 l vinegar (preferably 9%)
- 1 kg sugar (opt for a sweeter taste)
- 200 g Green Sugar gelling sugar (to help achieve a gelatinous consistency)

Making the Jam – Step by Step

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning the spicy peppers and bell peppers. Cut off the stems, remove the seeds and inner veins. This step is essential as seeds can add a bitter taste. Use a food processor or meat grinder to chop the vegetables as finely as possible. The finer they are, the more uniform the jam will be.

2. Boiling the vinegar and sugar: In a large pot, add the vinegar and sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Continue to boil the mixture for about 30 minutes, until it becomes viscous and flows in a thread. This is the stage where the sweet aroma of sugar and the acidity of vinegar combine.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the vinegar and sugar mixture is ready, add the chopped spicy peppers and bell peppers. Mix well to ensure even distribution. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Including the gelling sugar: After the hour of boiling has passed, add the Green Sugar gelling sugar. This will help achieve the desired gelatinous texture. Boil the mixture for another 15 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Bottling: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, prepare the jars. Make sure they are clean and sterilized. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars with lids and place them in a dry, warm spot, wrapped in a blanket, for 24 hours to seal properly.

6. Labeling and storing: After 24 hours, label the jars with the date and the name of the jam. Arrange them nicely in the pantry, where they can be stored for a long time.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy pepper and bell pepper jam can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delicious suggestions:
- On pizza: A perfect addition that will enhance the flavors.
- With cheeses: Pair with goat cheese or aged cheese for a refined appetizer.
- In sandwiches: Adds a touch of spice and sweetness to meat sandwiches.
- With grilled meat: Use as a sauce for pork or chicken.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Test the spiciness level: Before using spicy peppers, taste them to determine how hot they are. You can adjust the amount according to your preferences.
- Vegan option: Make sure the sugar used is vegan, as some types of sugar are processed with bone char.
- Gelling sugar: If you do not have access to Green Sugar gelling sugar, you can use another type of gelling sugar, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is spicy pepper jam suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you use vegan gelling sugar and do not add animal-derived ingredients.

2. How long can I keep the jam?
If properly sterilized, the jam can be kept for several years in a cool, dark place.

3. Can I use other types of peppers?
Of course! You can experiment with milder peppers or even sweet peppers, adjusting the amount of sugar to your taste.

4. How can I use spicy pepper jam in cooking?
It’s excellent as a glaze for meat, as a sauce for burgers, or even in salad dressings.

Nutritional Benefits

Spicy pepper jam is not only tasty but also beneficial. Spicy peppers contain capsaicin, which can help boost metabolism and improve blood circulation. Additionally, bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to put on your apron and start your culinary adventure! Spicy pepper and bell pepper jam will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen and delight anyone who tastes it. Experiment and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!