Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam is a vibrant, sweet and spicy condiment that packs a punch of flavor. It’s the kind of jam you spread on a sandwich, serve with cheese or drizzle over grilled meats to add that perfect balance of heat and sweetness. What makes it stand out from the usual fruit jams is the rich combination of chili peppers, sugar and vinegar which create a thick, glossy and slightly sticky texture. It’s a bold twist on traditional preserves, offering a fiery kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of sugar.

Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam Recipe

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients to make this jam come to life. Here’s a rundown:

1. Red chilies – The star of the show. Use a combination of red chilies for the right amount of heat and flavor. Jamie’s recipe often calls for both fresh and dried chilies for a deeper, more complex taste.
2. Red peppers – These bring a subtle sweetness and help balance out the heat from the chilies.
3. Sugar – A good amount of sugar, often jam or preserving sugar, gives the jam that sticky consistency while also bringing the sweetness that tones down the heat.
4. White wine vinegar – The tang from vinegar adds a nice balance to the sweetness and cuts through the richness of the sugar, giving the jam a lovely acidity.
5. Garlic – Just a few cloves of garlic will give it that savory depth, making the jam not just a sweet treat but a great addition to savory dishes as well.
6. Ginger – A small amount of fresh ginger adds a touch of warmth and another layer of depth to the flavor.
7. Water – This helps in dissolving the sugar and creating the right consistency for the jam.

Equipment Needed

The equipment list is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A large saucepan or pot. This is where all the magic happens. You’ll need a pot big enough to handle the bubbling sugar mixture.
2. Blender or food processor. To blend the chilies, peppers, garlic and ginger into a smooth paste.
3. A ladle – For pouring the hot jam into jars.
4. Sterilized jars – To store your chili jam. These need to be clean and dry and it’s a good idea to warm them slightly to prevent any glass cracking when hot jam is poured in.
5. A thermometer (optional) – Some recipes suggest checking the temperature of the jam to make sure it’s reached the correct consistency but it’s not absolutely necessary if you’re familiar with how jam thickens.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam is a fairly simple process but the result is packed with flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the fresh chilies, red peppers, garlic and ginger into rough pieces. You’ll want to blend these together, so no need to worry about making them perfectly uniform.
2. Blend: Place the chopped chilies, garlic, peppers and ginger into a blender or food processor. Blitz them until you have a smooth paste. Don’t add too much water at this point; the natural juices from the peppers should help the process.
3. Cook the jam: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, then add your chili paste. Stir it around for a couple of minutes to release the flavors. Add in the sugar and vinegar, mixing well until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. It’s important to stir occasionally to avoid burning.
4. Test the consistency: After about 30-40 minutes of simmering, the mixture will begin to thicken. You can check if it’s ready by placing a spoonful of the jam onto a chilled plate, then running your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s still runny, let it cook a bit longer.
5. Jar it up: Once the jam has thickened to the right consistency, carefully ladle it into your sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly while the jam is still hot. Let them cool down completely at room temperature.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam taught me a lot about balancing flavors. The combination of sugar, vinegar and chili can be tricky but when done right, it’s magic. I learned that the jam’s thickness is key – you don’t want it too runny but you also don’t want it to set into a hard candy-like texture. Also, the time it takes to simmer and reduce is essential; too short and you end up with a watery jam but if you leave it too long, it can become overly sticky.

I also realized how much you can adjust the heat level based on the type of chili you use. If you want it milder, go for a mix with some bell peppers or less spicy chilies. If you’re a heat lover, go all-in with some fiery varieties like birds eye chilies.

Finally, there’s a special satisfaction that comes with making something from scratch, especially when it turns out so good. The homemade version is far superior to anything you can buy in a store, with much more depth of flavor and that personalized touch.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam

Jamie Oliver’s chilli jam is already packed with flavor but there are a few little tweaks that can make it uniquely yours.

1. Spice It Up or Tone It Down: The heat level in chilli jam is the main draw for many but if you want to adjust the spiciness, you can play around with the types of chillies you use. Red chillies give it a classic kick but you could throw in some habaneros for a fiery edge or milder chillies like bell peppers for a smoother taste. You could even experiment with dried chillies for a deeper, smokier flavor.
2. Sweetness Swap: Traditional recipes usually use sugar or jam sugar but what if you used honey, maple syrup or even agave nectar? These alternatives would change the flavor profile, adding a more natural sweetness or subtle earthy tones.
3. Add Garlic or Ginger: Garlic brings a rich, savory depth to the jam while ginger can add a zingy, aromatic quality. Both complement the heat of the chillies perfectly, making it a more complex jam.
4. Vinegar Variations: While rice vinegar or white vinegar works well in the original, you could try balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Balsamic gives the jam a richer, almost caramelized taste while apple cider vinegar adds a tangier, fruitier vibe.
5. Fruity Twist: Jamie’s chilli jam is already sweet but you can take it to the next level by incorporating fruit. Mango, apricot or pineapple can bring an exotic flavor that pairs beautifully with the heat of the chillies.
6. Herb Infusion: A few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can take this jam from simple to sophisticated. A little hint of these herbs blends nicely with the jam’s tangy-sweet complexity.

These tweaks can elevate your homemade chilli jam and make it uniquely your own. The possibilities are endless.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Once you’ve made your batch of Jamie Oliver’s chilli jam, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here’s how:

1. Keep It Sealed: After cooling the jam completely, transfer it into a sterilized jar with an airtight lid. The seal helps preserve the jam and keeps air out which helps maintain its flavor and prevents mold growth.
2. Cool and Store Properly: Store the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. If you want to keep it for longer, refrigerating the jam will help extend its shelf life. Even in the fridge, it can last for a few weeks.
3. Label It: This sounds basic but it helps. If you make several batches or adjust the recipe each time, label your jars with the date of preparation and any variations you’ve made. It’ll keep things organized and let you track how long the jam has been stored.
4. Check Before Use: Before using leftovers, always check the jam for any signs of mold or spoilage. If it has been stored properly, this shouldn’t be an issue but always best to be cautious.
5. Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you’ve made a huge batch, you can freeze the chilli jam. Just be sure to leave some space in the jar or container for expansion during freezing. The jam will maintain its flavor for up to 6 months in the freezer, though it might lose a bit of texture upon thawing.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam?

Chilli jam is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many dishes. Here are a few ideas to get the most out of this spicy-sweet condiment.

1. Cheese Platters: Pair it with a variety of cheeses-cheddar, goat cheese, brie or blue cheese. The jam balances the creaminess of soft cheeses and contrasts the sharpness of stronger cheeses, making it a perfect addition to a cheese board.
2. Grilled Meats: This jam is a great companion to grilled meats like chicken, pork or even beef. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat while the chili heat adds an exciting kick.
3. Sandwiches and Burgers: Use the chilli jam as a spread on sandwiches or burgers for an extra layer of flavor. It works especially well with bacon, pulled pork or a juicy beef burger.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes or cauliflower. The jam brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies while adding a spicy bite.
5. Fried Snacks: The jam is perfect as a dip for fried snacks. think spring rolls, samosas or crispy fried chicken. The contrast between the crispy, crunchy texture and the sticky, spicy jam is a winning combination.
6. Rice and Noodles: Stir a spoonful into fried rice or noodles to give your dish a quick and easy flavor boost. It adds a tangy heat that elevates the simplicity of these dishes.
7. Egg Dishes: Top off scrambled eggs, omelettes or even fried eggs with a dollop of the jam. It’s an unexpected yet delicious pairing that’s sure to impress.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam?

You’ll need red chillies, sugar, vinegar, and some garlic. It’s all about balancing the heat and sweetness!

How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam Take To Make?

It takes about 45 minutes, from prepping the ingredients to simmering the jam to the perfect consistency.

Can I Adjust The Spice Level In Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more chillies for heat or use milder ones if you prefer less spice.