Walnut jam

Green tomato jam is a delicacy that combines sweetness with a slight acidity, offering a unique tasting experience. This simple yet refined recipe is perfect for moments when you want to add a touch of good taste to your daily life. So, gather your ingredients and let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 5 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe green tomatoes (cherry)
- 800 g sugar
- Fresh juice from 1 lemon
- 25 ml vanilla essence
- 200 g nuts roasted in a pan over low heat

The delicious history of green tomato jam
Green tomato jam is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. These small green-red tomatoes, often used in savory dishes, transform into a surprising dessert. It is a clever way to preserve fruits and turn them into something sweet and aromatic for winter. It is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a delicacy that delights us.

Preparing the ingredients
1. Green tomatoes: Choose firm tomatoes without spots or imperfections. Wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities.
2. Nuts: You can use pecans, coconut, or even almonds, depending on your taste. Roast the nuts in a pan over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning them. This step will enhance the flavor of the nuts and add a special taste to your jam.

Steps for making the jam
1. Cooking the green tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a large pot and add the sugar, lemon juice, and enough water to cover them. Gently stir to combine the ingredients.

2. Boiling: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. You will notice that the liquid will start to reduce.

3. Adding flavors: After about 30 minutes, when the liquid has significantly reduced, add the vanilla essence and the roasted nuts. Steal a spoonful of the mixture and taste! Adjust the sugar or lemon to your liking.

4. Thickening the syrup: Continue to boil the mixture for about 20 minutes or until the syrup becomes thick and starts to set. You can check the consistency of the jam using the "drop on a plate" method: place a drop of jam on a cold plate, let it sit for a few seconds, then tilt it. If the drop does not run, the jam is ready.

5. Bottling: Prepare sterilized jars. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving a little space at the top for air expansion. Seal with the lids and turn the jars upside down for 15 minutes. This will help create a vacuum and preserve your jam for a long time.

6. Cooling: After 15 minutes, turn the jars back upright and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Serving and delicious combinations
Green tomato jam pairs perfectly with fine cheese, such as goat cheese or brie, providing a perfect balance between salty and sweet. You can also use this jam as a filling for cakes, sandwiches with butter, or even on pancakes.

For an elegant dessert, serve green tomato jam alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse. You can make a sauce from your jam by adding a little water and gently heating the mixture to pour over a tart.

Tips and useful advice
- Preservation: Ensure that the jars are completely sterilized to prevent fermentation. You can sterilize jars by boiling or in the oven.
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or ginger for a spicier taste.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This jam contains approximately 250 calories per 100 g, plus antioxidants from green tomatoes and nutrients from nuts. It is a wonderful way to enrich your diet with vitamins, but consume in moderation due to the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned green tomatoes?: It is not recommended, as the texture will not be as good as fresh ones.
2. How can I check if the jam is well set?: Use the drop on a plate method described above.
3. What do I do if the jam does not set?: You can add a packet of gelling sugar and boil for a few more minutes.

Enjoy green tomato jam, a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth and pleasant memories in every jar. Now, it's time to get cooking and enjoy this delicacy at home!