Chilli Tomato Jam: A Spicy-Sweet Condiment to Elevate Your Dishes

Chilli tomato jam is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy to any dish. This vibrant and irresistible spread is made by cooking tomatoes, chillies, and sugar until it reaches a thick, luscious consistency.

Ingredients:

- 2 kg ripe tomatoes - 500g red onions - 500g red chillies - 1 kg granulated sugar - 250ml white wine vinegar - 1 tbsp salt - 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the tomatoes, red onions, and red chillies. 2. Combine ingredients: In a large pot, combine the prepared vegetables, sugar, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. 3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the jam has thickened. 4. Test consistency: To check the consistency, spoon a small amount of jam onto a cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's ready. 5. Preserve: Once the jam is done, spoon it into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place.

Serving Suggestions:

Chilli tomato jam is an incredibly versatile condiment that complements a wide range of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions: - As a dip: Serve the jam with crackers, cheese, or vegetable crudités. - On sandwiches and wraps: Spread the jam on your favorite sandwiches or wraps for an extra kick. - With grilled meats: Glaze grilled chicken, pork, or beef with the jam for a sweet and savory flavor. - In sauces and marinades: Add a spoonful of chilli tomato jam to your favorite sauces and marinades for a spicy twist. - As a glaze for vegetables: Roast vegetables with a glaze made from chilli tomato jam for a caramelized and flavorful side dish.

Health Benefits:

Not only is chilli tomato jam delicious, but it also offers some health benefits: - Antioxidants: Tomatoes and chillies are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. - Vitamin A: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision and skin. - Capsaicin: The capsaicin in chillies has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Conclusion:

Chilli tomato jam is a flavor-packed condiment that adds a touch of spice and sweetness to any dish. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it's a must-have pantry staple that will enhance your culinary creations. Experiment with different serving suggestions to discover the endless possibilities of this delicious and healthy spread.