Raspberry jam with chili

Raspberry Chili Jam: a surprising combination of flavors that will win you over!

In search of a jam that brings a touch of adventure to your jars, I discovered a recipe that combines the natural sweetness of raspberries with a spicy chili flavor. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an explosion of tastes that will transform any mundane breakfast or dessert into a special moment.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 250g

Ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh raspberries (store-bought or foraged)
- 1 kg sugar (for perfect sweetness, the ratio is 1:1)
- 2-3 lemons (juice, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili (or more, depending on preference)

Useful tips about ingredients:

- Raspberries: Choose fresh, ripe raspberries without blemishes. Frozen raspberries can be used, but the final result will be more watery.
- Sugar: Essential for preserving the jam, it also plays an important role in the final texture. White sugar is most commonly used, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Lemon juice: Not only adds a fresh taste, but also helps stabilize the color and flavor of the fruit.
- Chili: Choose your preferred chili powder, from mild to hot, depending on how much heat you want to add.

Preparing the jam:

1. Preparing the raspberries:
- Wash the raspberries under cold running water and remove leaves or impurities. If you prefer a seedless jam, you can puree the raspberries through a fine sieve.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large pot, add the washed raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well so that the raspberries are evenly coated with sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the raspberries to release their juice.

3. Boiling:
- Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. You will notice foam forming on the surface; this should be periodically removed with a spatula or spoon.
- Use a silicone brush dipped in cold water to clean the edges of the pot from any sticking sugar, so that the jam maintains a vibrant color.

4. Testing the consistency:
- After about 30-40 minutes of boiling, take a bit of the jam with a teaspoon and let it cool on a plate. If it thickens, it’s ready! If you prefer a softer jam, you can let it boil a little less.

5. Adding the chili:
- In the last minutes of boiling, add the chili and mix well, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed.

Bottling:

- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, pour it hot into clean, dry jars, leaving a little space at the top.
- Close the jars with lids and turn them upside down for 10-15 minutes to create a vacuum that preserves the jam.

Serving suggestions:

This raspberry chili jam is perfect on a slice of toasted bread or as a filling for pancakes. You can also use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, bringing a pleasant contrast between sweetness and spiciness.

Possible variations:

- Raspberry Vanilla Jam: Add a vanilla pod to the raspberry mixture for a more exotic taste.
- Jam with other fruits: You can combine raspberries with peaches or apricots to explore new flavors.

Nutritional information:

This jam is a good source of vitamin C from raspberries and can be a healthier alternative to commercial jams that contain additives. However, considering it is high in sugar, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
- Yes, but the jam will have a more watery texture. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

2. What if I don’t like it spicy?
- You can omit the chili or add a smaller amount, adjusting to taste.

3. Can I strain the seeds from the jam?
- Yes, if you prefer a smooth texture, you can strain the jam after it has boiled.

A personal note:

This recipe is not just a way to preserve raspberries, but also an invitation to experiment in the kitchen. I encourage you to play with flavors and personalize your jam, turning it into a dish that reflects your style and preferences!

So, gather your ingredients, take a moment of calm, and enjoy the cooking process. The raspberry chili jam will quickly become a family favorite, and you will be proud to have created something so special! Enjoy!