I first encountered Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam when a friend served it at a barbecue. The combination of sweet and spicy hit me instantly. It wasn’t too overpowering, but it packed just the right punch. I found myself smothering it on everything-burgers, grilled chicken, even cheese. Ever since that moment, I’ve been hooked.
Chilli jam is one of those condiments that elevate your food, giving it a zing. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or simply adding it as a topping, this jam adds a burst of flavor that complements almost any dish. Today, I’m excited to share Jamie Oliver’s renowned Chilli Jam recipe with you, so you can experience the same magic in your kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam Recipe
This recipe from Jamie Oliver is special for many reasons. It strikes the perfect balance between the heat of the chillies and the sweetness of sugar. The result is a rich, sticky jam that brings life to both savory and even some sweet dishes. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly, but the base remains Jamie’s simple yet brilliant approach.
What makes this chilli jam recipe a standout is its versatility. It’s great for gifts, party snacks, or just a little something to have on hand for whenever your tastebuds crave that burst of flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- Red chillies – Fresh and vibrant, they provide both color and heat. The amount of heat can be controlled by adjusting the number of chillies.
- Red bell peppers – These are for sweetness and help to balance the sharpness of the chillies.
- Garlic – A touch of garlic brings out a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
- Ginger – Adds warmth and a subtle spicy kick that enhances the overall profile.
- Sugar – White sugar is a must for that thick, jam-like consistency and to balance out the heat from the chillies.
- Apple cider vinegar – This brings acidity to the mix, helping preserve the jam and creating a balance with the sweetness.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and brings everything together.
- Pectin – While optional, pectin helps thicken the jam and gives it that perfect consistency.
You don’t need to hunt down any exotic ingredients. Most of these can be found in your local supermarket. That’s one of the reasons this recipe works so well-it’s simple but delivers great results.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam
Making this jam is straightforward, but there are a few important steps to ensure that everything comes out perfectly. Let me walk you through the process step-by-step:
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Prepare The Ingredients
Finely chop the red chillies, red bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. The finer you chop, the smoother your jam will be, but I like a bit of texture, so I leave them a little chunkier.
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Cook The Peppers
Place the chopped peppers, garlic, and ginger in a large saucepan. Add a little water to prevent them from sticking and cook over medium heat until softened.
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Add Sugar And Vinegar
Once your peppers are soft, stir in the sugar and vinegar. You want to make sure the sugar dissolves completely before moving on to the next step.
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Simmer And Thicken
Turn the heat down and let everything simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally. The mixture should start to thicken as it reduces.
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Blend And Strain
Once the jam is thick and glossy, blend it with an immersion blender (or a regular blender) until smooth. Some people like to strain the jam to remove any bits of skin or seeds, but I prefer to leave them in for texture.
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Test For Consistency
To check if the jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate. If it gels and doesn’t run when you tilt the plate, it’s done.
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Store
Pour your jam into sterilized jars while still hot. Seal tightly and allow it to cool completely before storing.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s talk about why each ingredient works so beautifully together.
- Chillies – The capsaicin in chillies provides that heat, but it also stimulates endorphins, which make you feel happy. This tiny chemical reaction is why spicy foods can give you that rush of euphoria.
- Bell peppers – These provide sweetness without being too overpowering, and their high water content helps thin out the mixture as it cooks.
- Sugar – The role of sugar is twofold. First, it balances the heat of the chillies. But it also plays a crucial role in helping the jam gel and reach the perfect consistency.
- Vinegar – The acidity from the vinegar balances out the sugar and provides that tangy note that cuts through the sweetness. It also acts as a preservative, making the jam last longer.
- Pectin – Naturally found in fruit, pectin is essential in making the jam gel properly. If you use under-ripe fruit, they’ll have more pectin, but in this recipe, the vinegar and sugar do most of the gelling work.
Expert Tips
- Control the heat – The type and amount of chillies you use will determine how spicy your jam is. If you like it milder, use fewer chillies or opt for a milder variety like the Anaheim. If you want it hotter, throw in a few more hot varieties like habaneros or jalapeños.
- Sterilize jars – Properly sterilizing your jars ensures the jam stays fresh and free from contamination. Just pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to kill off any bacteria.
- Let it sit – Once the jam is ready, it’s a good idea to let it sit for 24 hours before eating. This helps the flavors meld and deepen.
- Use a candy thermometer – If you’re serious about achieving the perfect consistency, a candy thermometer can be your best friend. Aim for a temperature of around 105°C (220°F) for the right gel.
- Taste as you go – Every batch of chillies will be different. Taste the jam as you cook it and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your liking.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to make this chilli jam your own.
- Smoked Chilli Jam – For a smoky twist, try adding smoked chipotle or using smoked vinegar instead of regular apple cider vinegar.
- Herb Infused – Toss in a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary while the jam simmers. Just remember to remove them before blending.
- Tomato Chilli Jam – Add ripe tomatoes to the mix for a more savory, slightly tangy flavor. This is perfect for a richer, thicker jam.
- Tropical Twist – Add pineapple or mango chunks to the mix for a sweet, tropical spin on the traditional recipe.
Final Words
This jam is a game-changer. It’s sweet, spicy, and versatile-making it perfect for all kinds of meals. Whether you’re grilling meats, layering it on sandwiches, or even pairing it with cheese, it’s a condiment that truly shines. Plus, making it yourself allows you to customize the spice level and tweak the flavors to your liking.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chili Jam?
You’ll need red chilies, sugar, red peppers, vinegar, and some garlic. That’s the basic list!
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Chili Jam Take To Cook?
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It’s pretty quick for how flavorful it gets.
Can I Adjust The Spice Level In Jamie Oliver’s Chili Jam?
Yes! You can control the heat by using milder or hotter chilies depending on your taste.