Picture the vibrant colors and enticing aroma of freshly chopped bell peppers simmering on the stove.
This pepper jam is a delightful blend of sweetness and subtle heat, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
As the ingredients meld together, they transform into a thick, luscious condiment that adds flair to any dish.
Let’s bring this flavorful jam to life and savor its delightful essence in your kitchen.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
- 4 Glass jars with lids
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 packet Pectin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper, ground
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making pepper jam, you can create a timeline based on the prep, cook, and additional times provided. Here’s a suggested timeline:
Timeline for Making Pepper Jam
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:15: Wash and chop the bell peppers using a knife and cutting board.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- 0:15 – 0:20: Combine chopped bell peppers, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, pectin, salt, and black pepper in a large pot. Stir thoroughly.
- 0:20 – 0:25: Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- 0:25 – 1:10: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir frequently until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Cooling and Jarring (15 minutes)
- 1:10 – 1:20: Remove the pot from heat and let the jam cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
- 1:20 – 1:25: Use a ladle to pour the pepper jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top.
- 1:25 – 1:30: Secure the lids on the jars.
- Resting (1 hour)
- 1:30 – 2:30: Let the jars rest at room temperature to set.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Additional Notes:
- Guarantee your jars are sterilized ahead of time to avoid delays.
- If you wish to add a spicier kick, incorporate additional spices during the cooking stage.
- Store the finished pepper jam in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 2-3 weeks.
Recipe Instructions
Wash and chop the bell peppers into small pieces using a knife and cutting board.
In a large pot, combine the chopped bell peppers, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, pectin, salt, and black pepper.
Stir the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon to guarantee all ingredients are well combined.
Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Use a ladle to pour the pepper jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top.
Secure the lids on the jars and let them rest at room temperature for 1 hour to set.
Store the pepper jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks.
Serving Tips
- With Cheese and Crackers: Pair the pepper jam with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- On Grilled Meats: Use the pepper jam as a glaze or topping for grilled chicken, pork, or steak for a sweet and spicy kick.
- In Sandwiches: Spread the jam on sandwiches or wraps to add a burst of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- As a Pizza Topping: Drizzle the pepper jam over homemade pizzas for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
- With Breakfast Foods: Serve the jam alongside pancakes, waffles, or toast for a sweet and savory breakfast treat.
Storage
Store pepper jam in sterilized glass jars with secure lids in the refrigerator.
Consume within 2-3 weeks for ideal freshness.
Ensure jars are sealed properly to extend shelf life.
Freezing
To freeze pepper jam, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
Seal tightly and label with the date before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat pepper jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.
Use immediately after reaching desired temperature.
Final Thoughts
Making pepper jam is a delightful way to preserve the vibrant flavors of bell peppers.
This versatile condiment can enhance various dishes, from sandwiches to grilled meats.
For the best results, guarantee your peppers are fresh and your jars are properly sterilized.
Enjoy experimenting with different pepper combinations to find your perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
With its bright colors and rich taste, pepper jam is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy the process and savor the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Bell Peppers for This Pepper Jam Recipe?
You can use frozen bell peppers, but they’ll add extra moisture, altering the texture and cooking time. Thaw and drain them first for better results. Fresh peppers provide the best flavor and consistency for your jam.
How Can I Make This Pepper Jam Suitable for Canning?
To make the recipe suitable for canning, you need to use a water bath canner. Sterilize jars, fill them with hot jam, leave headspace, and process in boiling water for 10 minutes. Guarantee proper sealing.
What Are Some Creative Uses for Pepper Jam Beyond Using It as a Condiment?
You can transform it into a glaze for meats, mix it into cream cheese for a zesty spread, or swirl it into salad dressings. Experiment by drizzling over roasted veggies or even incorporating it into cocktails.
Is It Possible to Substitute a Different Type of Vinegar for Apple Cider Vinegar?
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine or rice vinegar for a milder taste. Balsamic vinegar’s rich sweetness adds depth, but adjust sugar levels accordingly. Experiment with flavors to find your perfect balance.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness Level in the Pepper Jam Recipe?
To adjust the sweetness, tweak the sugar amount. For less sweetness, reduce sugar by half a cup. Prefer more sweetness? Add an extra half cup. Taste test as you go to achieve your desired flavor balance.
Pepper Jam
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
- 4 Glass jars with lids
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bell peppers chopped (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 packet Pectin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper ground
Instructions
- Wash and chop the bell peppers into small pieces using a knife and cutting board.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped bell peppers, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, pectin, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
- Use a ladle to pour the pepper jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top.
- Secure the lids on the jars and let them rest at room temperature for 1 hour to set.
- Store the pepper jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks.
Notes
