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A jar of homemade chilli jam with a deep red colour, perfect for toast, burgers, and more.

Chilli Jam

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
This homemade Chilli Jam is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it an irresistible condiment for toast, eggs, meats, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and lasts over a year when stored in sterilized jars. A café favourite that elevates any dish!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 kg red capsicums red peppers, chopped into rough pieces (white pith removed)
  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 3 cups white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Crushed chili adjust to taste, typically a couple of spoonsful
  • 3 teaspoons cornflour corn starch
  • Cold water for the cornflour slurry

Instructions
 

  • Chop the red capsicums into rough pieces, removing the white pith to avoid bitterness.
  • Place the chopped capsicums in a food processor and process until they are well-mulched.
  • Transfer the processed capsicums to a large saucepan.
  • Add the crushed chili, white sugar, and white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) to the pot.
  • Turn the stove to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar without burning.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should reduce by half and turn a deep red colour.
  • Thicken the Jam:
  • In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing the cornflour with a little cold water until dissolved.
  • Slowly add the cornflour slurry to the simmering chili jam, stirring continuously.
  • Bring it back to a boil and let it cook for an additional couple of minutes until thickened. Note that the jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Once cooked, allow the jam to cool before transferring it to sterilized jars. The jam can last for over a year in the pantry if properly sealed.
  • Serving Suggestions:
  • Use the chili jam as a topping for avocado on toast, eggs, sour cream, sandwiches, mayonnaise, burgers, savoury muffins, or alongside meats and fries.

Video

Notes

✔ Adjust the Heat Level – The amount of crushed chilli can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. Start with less and add more if needed.
✔ Thickening the Jam – A small amount of cornflour slurry is added at the end to thicken the jam. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
✔ Sterilizing Jars for Longer Shelf Life – If properly sterilized and sealed, this chilli jam can be stored for over a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate for long-lasting freshness.
✔ Serving Suggestions – This chilli jam is incredible on avocado toast, with savoury muffins, burgers, meats, and cheese platters. Try it with sour cream for a creamy, spicy dip!