Hot pepper jam

Hot pepper jam – a surprising delicacy, a perfect blend of enticing sweetness and captivating heat that can transform any dish into an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe, although it may seem intimidating at first glance, is accessible to anyone who wants to try something new and interesting in the kitchen. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this jam that will delight even the most refined palates.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 300 g

Ingredients
- 1 kg red hot peppers
- 500 g kapia peppers
- 1.5 liters of 9-degree vinegar
- 1 – 1.2 kg sugar

Necessary utensils
- Surgical gloves
- Sharp knife
- Meat grinder or blender
- Large pot
- Sterilized glass jars with lids

Short history
Hot pepper jam is a traditional dish in many cultures, often used to enhance the flavors of dishes. The experience of combining hot peppers with sugar and vinegar emerged as a way to preserve the peppers while also creating a condiment that adds extra flavor to meals. This jam can be used as a topping for cheeses, meats, or even desserts, bringing an unusual contrast.

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the peppers
Start by equipping yourself with surgical gloves, as hot peppers can leave unpleasant sensations on the skin. Choose a well-ventilated place to work with the peppers, as the smells can be quite intense.

1. Wash the peppers: Clean the hot peppers and kapia peppers under a stream of cold water, then dry them with a clean towel.
2. Clean the peppers: Using a sharp knife, cut the hot peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins. You can leave some veins to retain the heat. The kapia peppers should be cleaned of seeds and cut into smaller pieces.
3. Grinding: Place the cleaned peppers in the meat grinder or blender and grind them until you achieve a smooth paste. This will become the base for your jam.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup
1. Boiling the syrup: In a large pot, add the vinegar and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it boil for about 20 minutes, making sure to stir periodically.
2. Adding the peppers: Once the syrup has begun to boil and thickens, add the hot pepper paste. Mix well and let it boil for 30-40 minutes, until it sets like a regular jam. You can check the consistency by dropping a drop of jam on a cold plate; if it does not spread, it is ready.

Step 3: Jarring the jam
1. Sterilizing the jars: Before pouring the jam, ensure that the jars are clean and sterilized. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or using the oven.
2. Filling the jars: Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving a small space at the top. Place the lids on and ensure they are tightly closed.
3. Cooling: Wrap the jars in a blanket and let them cool slowly in a warm place. This step is important to create a vacuum that will help preserve the jam.

Useful tips
- Attention to heat: If you prefer a less spicy jam, you can reduce the amount of hot peppers or add more kapia peppers.
- Sweet variant: Add a few slices of fresh ginger during boiling for an extra flavor.
- Storage: Place the jars in a cool, dark place. The jam will keep well for several months.

Nutritional values
A serving (approximately 30 g) of hot pepper jam contains:
- Calories: 50-60
- Sugars: 12-15 g
- Fats: 0 g
- Proteins: 0 g

Combine with…
Hot pepper jam is extremely versatile! You can use it to enhance goat cheese spreads, as a glaze for grilled meats, or even as a secret ingredient in salad dressings. It can be paired with a dry white wine or a pale beer, which will balance the heat of the dish.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use hot peppers of other colors? Yes, you can experiment with green or yellow hot peppers, but the jam will have a different color.
- Will the jam be too spicy? The level of heat depends on the type of pepper you choose. It's good to test the peppers before using them.
- How can I use the jam? Besides the mentioned dishes, you can also use it as a topping for ice cream or as a filling for cakes.

In conclusion, hot pepper jam is not just a simple recipe, but also a true culinary adventure that you can share with loved ones. So, unleash your creativity and enjoy this bold delicacy!