Chilli Jam Recipe

Spicy-Sweet Chilli Jam Recipe for Sensational Homemade Flavor

Crafting a delectable chilli jam brings unexpected excitement to your culinary adventures.

Spicy condiments often spark conversation around dinner tables.

Home cooks love experimenting with bold flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Small batches of homemade preserves can transform simple meals into memorable experiences.

Sweet and fiery elements dance together in this vibrant recipe.

Peppers selected with care create magical results that will make you smile.

One taste promises to revolutionize how you think about condiments.

Why Delia Smith Chilli Jam Brings The Heat

  • Craft Spicy Condiment: Create a bold, homemade jam that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Quick Ingredient Blending: Combine fresh bell peppers, chilies, and aromatic spices in one pan for a straightforward cooking process that delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Flavor Booster: Use this vibrant jam as a killer sandwich spread, dipping sauce, or marinade that elevates everything from grilled meats to cheese boards with its sweet-spicy punch.
  • Preserve and Share: Easily store in sterilized jars for gifting to food-loving friends or keeping in your pantry as a go-to condiment that adds instant excitement to any dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Delia Smith Chilli Jam

Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: A sweet and colorful base that provides body and texture to the jam.
  • Chilies: Add heat and intense spicy flavor to the condiment.
  • Ginger: Contributes a warm, zesty undertone with subtle sharpness.
  • Garlic: Provides a deep, pungent background note to the jam.
Liquids and Acids:
  • Cider Vinegar: Offers a tangy brightness and helps preserve the jam.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and helps balance the sweetness.
  • Fish Sauce: Introduces a savory umami depth to the flavor profile.
Sweeteners and Binding Agents:
  • Sugar: Creates the jammy consistency and provides essential sweetness.

How To Make Delia Smith Chilli Jam Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Ingredients

Grab your bell peppers and chilies, chopping them into tiny pieces. Grate the fresh ginger and crush the garlic cloves until they release their aromatic essence.

  • Bell peppers
  • Chilies
  • Fresh ginger
  • Garlic cloves

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

Transfer the chopped ingredients into a heavy-bottomed pan. Pour in the cider vinegar, allowing the mixture to mingle and dance together over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 40 minutes until the peppers become wonderfully soft and tender.

Step 3: Enhance with Flavor Boosters

Introduce the sugar, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and splash some fish sauce into the bubbling mixture. Stir everything thoroughly, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

Step 4: Reduce and Thicken

Continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the jam transforms, becoming gloriously thick and glossy. The mixture will develop a rich, concentrated flavor that speaks of culinary magic.

Step 5: Cool and Preserve

Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. While still warm, carefully pour the vibrant mixture into sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars tightly, then allow them to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

Once cooled, your homemade chili jam is ready to brighten up sandwiches, add zest to cheese plates, or serve as a spectacular condiment for countless dishes. Store in the refrigerator and savor the burst of flavors you’ve created.

Helpful Tips For Delia Smith Chilli Jam

  • Pick Fresh Peppers: Choose ripe, vibrant bell peppers and chilies for maximum flavor and color intensity.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust chili quantity to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder jam.
  • Sterilize Jars Properly: Ensure clean, hot jars prevent bacterial growth and extend jam's shelf life.
  • Achieve Perfect Consistency: Stir frequently and watch thickness, testing jam's readiness by cooling a small amount on a cold plate.
  • Store Smartly: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 2-3 weeks for best taste and quality.

Creative Takes On Delia Smith Chilli Jam

  • Veggie Delight Jam: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian version. Use red wine vinegar instead of cider vinegar for deeper flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Chili Spread: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce sugar quantity by half for diabetic-friendly option.
  • Tropical Heat Preserve: Add diced mango or pineapple for fruity undertones. Include a splash of rum for extra complexity and Caribbean-inspired notes.
  • Mild Family Friendly Jam: Reduce chili quantity and use sweet bell peppers. Include roasted red peppers for smoky flavor without intense heat.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Chilli Jam

  • Spice-Pairing Proteins: Grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or seared salmon taste incredible when brushed with this vibrant chilli jam, adding a tangy kick that transforms simple proteins into gourmet delights.
  • Cheese Companion: Creamy goat cheese, sharp aged cheddar, or soft brie become extraordinary when spread with this sweet-spicy jam, creating a flavor explosion that balances heat and richness perfectly.
  • Wine and Beverage Match: Crisp Riesling, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, or light-bodied Pinot Noir complement the jam's complex flavors, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the subtle pepper undertones.

Storing Delia Smith Chilli Jam The Right Way

  • Store in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Keep sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
  • Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch space at top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before use.
  • Unopened sterilized jars can be stored in cool, dark pantry for 2-3 months. Once opened, refrigerate immediately.
  • Gently warm small portions in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore original consistency.

Questions About Delia Smith Chilli Jam

  • What are the key flavor components in this chilli jam?

The jam balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes through bell peppers, chilies, ginger, cider vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce for a complex taste profile.

  • How spicy will this chilli jam be?

Spice level depends on the type and quantity of chilies used. You can control heat by selecting mild or hot peppers and adjusting their amount.

  • Can I use this jam as a condiment?

Absolutely! This versatile jam works great as a dipping sauce, glaze for meats, sandwich spread, or topping for appetizers and grilled dishes.

  • Is fish sauce necessary for the recipe?

Fish sauce adds depth and umami flavor, but you can substitute with soy sauce or worcestershire sauce if needed, though the taste will slightly change.

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Chilli Jam Recipe

Chilli Jam Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy-sweet chilli jam brings explosive flavor to your culinary adventures, merging classic Southeast Asian zest with homemade charm. Fiery peppers and caramelized sugar create a condiment that elevates sandwiches, marinades, and cheese platters with irresistible complexity you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 500 grams (17.6 ounces) red bell peppers
  • 8 red chilies
  • 450 grams (1 pound) granulated sugar
  • 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) cider vinegar

Aromatics:

  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) piece of ginger

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 lemon (juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

Instructions

  1. Meticulously dice vibrant bell peppers and fiery chilies into uniform, petite pieces. Grate fresh ginger and crush fragrant garlic cloves to release their intense aromatics.
  2. Transfer the chopped vegetables, ginger, and garlic into a robust, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Pour in tangy cider vinegar to create a flavorful base.
  3. Ignite the burner to medium heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 40 minutes. Watch as the peppers gradually soften and release their natural juices.
  4. Incorporate granulated sugar, zesty lemon juice, and umami-rich fish sauce into the simmering concoction. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  5. Continue cooking for an additional 30-40 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching. Monitor the consistency as the jam gradually thickens and develops a glossy, rich texture.
  6. Carefully remove the pan from heat, allowing the jam to rest and cool slightly, which helps it set and intensify its complex flavor profile.
  7. While still warm, carefully decant the vibrant jam into sterilized glass jars. Securely seal the lids and permit the jam to cool completely at room temperature, completing the preservation process.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when chopping hot chilies to prevent skin irritation and avoid accidentally touching your eyes.
  • Adjust the chili heat by selecting milder or spicier peppers based on personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise jam consistency and prevent burning during the long cooking process.
  • Store the jam in sterilized glass jars in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months, enhancing flavor development over time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 54 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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