Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Twist on Traditional Jam

Introduction

Are you looking to elevate your homemade condiment game beyond the ordinary? With the average fruit jam seeing over 300,000 monthly searches, it’s clear that jams are beloved pantry staples. But what if you could transform that familiar sweetness into something more complex, something that tantalizes the taste buds with a unique interplay of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat? Our Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam recipe does just that. It’s a delightful fusion that marries the rich, slightly tart flavor of plums with the gentle warmth and earthy sweetness of red bell peppers, all balanced with a subtle kick of spice. This isn’t your grandmother’s jam – it’s a sophisticated spread that will transform your cheese boards, sandwiches, and appetizers into culinary masterpieces. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to preserve the season’s bounty!

Ingredients

For the Jam

• 2 lbs (approx. 900g) ripe plums, pitted and roughly chopped (any variety works, but aim for juicy ones!)
• 1 lb (approx. 450g) red bell peppers, deseeded and finely diced (about 2-3 medium peppers)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on plum sweetness)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar (provides tang and helps set the jam)
• 1-2 red chilies (like jalapeño or serrano), finely minced (seeds removed for less heat, included for more)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness and to aid in setting)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for an extra layer of warmth)
• Pinch of salt (enhances all flavors)

Possible Substitutions and Variations

• Plums: If plums are out of season, ripe peaches, apricots, or even a mix of berries could be used, adjusting sugar and acidity as needed.
• Red Bell Peppers: Roasted red peppers from a jar can be used for a deeper flavor, but might require less vinegar.
• Chilies: Use dried chili flakes (1/2 to 1 teaspoon), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for adjustable heat.
• Vinegar: White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar.
• Sweetener: While refined sugar is standard for jam setting, some honey or maple syrup could be used for a portion, though it may affect the set and color.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or a star anise pod added during cooking can offer interesting flavor dimensions.

Timing

Compared to typical plum jams, which often have a shorter cook time focused solely on fruit reduction, this recipe incorporates the initial preparation of peppers and chilies, adding about 10-15 minutes to the prep. The cooking time is slightly longer as well, to ensure the peppers soften and meld seamlessly with the plums and to cook down to the desired jam consistency. However, the results are well worth the slightly extended effort for a truly unique condiment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Vegetables

Wash your plums thoroughly. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and roughly chop them. Don’t worry about making them too uniform; they will break down as they cook. Next, wash your red bell peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and dice them into small, uniform pieces. The finer they are diced, the more integrated they will be into the jam texture. Mince your chilies very finely. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling chilies, especially if you’ve included seeds!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped plums, diced red bell peppers, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced chilies, lemon juice, ground ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the sugar to start drawing moisture from the fruit and peppers, initiating the cooking process.

Step 3: Cook the Jam

Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a vigorous simmer. Continue to cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching, especially as the jam thickens. You’ll notice the plums breaking down, and the peppers softening and becoming translucent. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon; this helps create a clearer jam.

Step 4: Check for Set

Cook for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the jam reaches your desired consistency. To test for a set, place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When you think the jam is ready, spoon a little onto the cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then gently push it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles, it’s set. If it’s still runny, continue simmering and test again every 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Jar and Store

Once the jam has reached its set point, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, screw on the lids tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if you plan to store it at room temperature for longer periods. Alternatively, you can let the jars cool completely and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Let the jam cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.)

• Calories: ~60-80 per tablespoon
• Carbohydrates: ~15-20g per tablespoon
• Sugar: ~13-18g per tablespoon (mostly from fruit and added sugar)
• Fiber: ~0.5g per tablespoon
• Fat: Negligible
• Sodium: Low

Healthier Alternatives

While traditional jam making relies on a significant amount of sugar for preservation and texture, you can reduce the sugar content for a healthier option. Consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or xylitol (use with caution if you have pets, as xylitol is toxic to dogs) to replace half or all of the granulated sugar. You can also increase the pectin content by adding a small amount of commercial pectin or by using fruits naturally higher in pectin, allowing for a good set with less sugar. Another approach is to simply reduce the sugar and accept a softer set, storing the jam exclusively in the refrigerator or freezer.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam is incredibly versatile! It’s exceptional on cheese boards, where its sweet and spicy notes cut through rich cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. Spread it on crostini topped with cream cheese or ricotta for an elegant appetizer. It makes a fantastic glaze for pork, chicken, or duck, offering a sticky, flavorful sheen. Use it as a sandwich spread for a gourmet twist on ham and cheese, or dollop it onto grilled sausages or burgers. Don’t shy away from using it as a base for savory sauces or even mixed into salad dressings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unripe fruit: This leads to a less flavorful and potentially harder jam.
• Not stirring enough: The sugar and fruit can scorch on the bottom of the pot, ruining the batch.
• Not testing for set properly: Undercooked jam won’t set, while overcooked jam can become overly stiff or even caramelize.
• Using humid canning environments: If water bath canning, ensure your kitchen isn’t overly humid, as this can interfere with the seals.
• Crowding jars: Not leaving enough headspace can cause jams to boil over during processing, leading to seal failures.

Storing Your Jam

Properly sealed jars of this Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, always refrigerate the jar and consume the jam within 3-4 weeks for best quality and flavor. If you’ve opted not to water bath can or if a jar didn’t seal properly, store it in the refrigerator from the start and consume within 3-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam is a testament to how traditional recipes can be reimagined with bold flavors. It bridges the gap between sweet fruit preserves and savory condiments, offering a uniquely satisfying taste experience that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re an experienced canner or a home cook looking for a standout recipe, this jam is sure to impress. So, gather your plums and peppers, embrace the sweet heat, and create a pantry gem that will be the star of your next gathering or your favorite everyday meal. Don’t wait – discover this delightful twist on jam today!

Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Twist on Traditional Jam

Print Recipe

Discover the perfect Spicy Red Pepper Plum Jam recipe! A sweet and savory twist for your pantry staples.

• Author: Chef Sara

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 ½ cupsgranulated sugar
• 1 ½ cupsfinely chopped red bell pepper (1large or2small)
• 1 cupfinely chopped, drained fresh plums (about3medium plums)
• ½ cupfinely chopped apple (½medium apple)
• 1 ½ tablespoonsfreshly grated ginger
• 1–2medium jalapeño peppers (seeds included), finely chopped
• 1 ⅓ cupsapple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoonbutter
• 2 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
• 3 ouncesliquid pectin (1packet)

Instructions

1. In a large, heavy pot, combine the sugar, chopped bell pepper, plums, apple, ginger, jalapeño peppers, vinegar, and butter. Stir well to mix.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, and allow it to cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, take a spoonful, let it cool slightly, and taste for heat. Add more jalapeño if desired.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and pectin, then return the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the jam into clean, sterilized jars (if using a hot water bath canning method, ensure jars are sterilized).
5. Let the jars sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set the jam. After 24 hours, refrigerate or freeze for long-term storage.
6. For hot water canning: If using this method, follow the next steps after step 4 to seal the jars.
7. Details: This tangy and spicy jam blends sweet, tart plums with the heat of jalapeños and the subtle zing of fresh ginger. Perfect for adding to toast, sandwiches, or as a condiment for grilled meats, it offers a balanced and delicious twist to your pantry staples.