Easy Tomato Jam Recipe
If you’re searching for a luscious spread that’s sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced, this Easy Tomato Jam is a revelation. It’s the secret weapon condiment you’ll want in your fridge at all times, ready to upgrade anything from grilled cheese to charcuterie boards or brunch plates. Ripe tomatoes are transformed into a vibrant, jewel-toned jam that’s gently kissed with ginger and the tiniest hint of heat. It’s a joyous balance of complex flavors, and honestly, I’m obsessed—you will be too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These eight simple ingredients are all you need to make Easy Tomato Jam, but each one’s role is crucial for taste, texture, and color! This is a dish where quality and balance matter—so every item below is chosen to bring out the best in your tomatoes and create a jam that’s lip-smackingly delicious.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find—a meaty variety like Roma is ideal for extra richness and minimal watery texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: The subtle molasses notes add depth and just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tomatoes’ acidity.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a gentle tang and brightness, helping preserve flavor and balance the jam’s natural sweetness.
- Fresh Ginger: A tablespoon of grated or minced ginger brings a fresh, peppery zing that lifts every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch infuses the jam with warm, aromatic spice—think sweet and cozy, not overpowering.
- Ground Cloves: Even less than a pinch, cloves provide a touch of earthiness and complexity—you’ll notice them in the aftertaste.
- Salt: Essential for pulling out the natural flavors and keeping the jam from being too sweet.
- Cayenne: Just a little heat at the finish makes this tomato jam unexpectedly irresistible—adjust to your heat preference!
How to Make Easy Tomato Jam
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Add your chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and cayenne to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir it all up and marvel at how those vibrant reds mingle with golden sugar and fragrant spices—it’ll smell amazing even before you turn on the heat! Using a solid, wide pan is key here, as it will help the mixture cook evenly and prevent scorching.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Crank up the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a lively boil. As things begin bubbling, stir frequently. This is not a step to walk away from—stirring keeps the sugars from sticking to the bottom and burning, and ensures that the flavors start to meld properly. You’ll see the tomatoes break down and the mix get glossier by the minute.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the Easy Tomato Jam gently simmer. Keep stirring every so often. As moisture evaporates, it will slowly thicken to a soft, spreadable jam. This is when the magic happens—the flavors intensify and the mixture becomes gloriously syrupy. This can take 45 to 75 minutes, so enjoy the aromas and check the thickness by dragging your spoon along the bottom of the pot. It’s ready when trails begin to form and the mixture holds its shape.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, the jam will thicken even more. Once cooled, scoop the Easy Tomato Jam into a clean, airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 10 days—if it lasts that long!
How to Serve Easy Tomato Jam
Garnishes
Bring your Easy Tomato Jam to life with fresh garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped basil, a swirl of good olive oil, or a few grinds of black pepper adds vibrant color and texture. If you’re serving on a cheeseboard, try pairing it with a dollop of creamy ricotta or goat cheese for a classic sweet-savory duo.
Side Dishes
This jam shines alongside a crisp green salad, warm baguette slices, or as an unexpected punch on a breakfast sandwich. It also effortlessly elevates a platter of cheese and crackers, or becomes the secret sauce for roasted meats and grilled veggies. Seriously—it’s endlessly adaptable and will surprise you every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Easy Tomato Jam brings a pop of color to avocado toast, burgers, or as a vibrant swirl on creamy polenta. Spoon it into tiny jars for charming party favors or drizzle it over whipped feta for an unforgettable dip. It’s as much about presentation as it is flavor, and you can really let your culinary creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Easy Tomato Jam to an airtight jar or lidded container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 10 days without losing its bold flavors—just be sure to use a clean spoon each time for maximum freshness.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, Easy Tomato Jam can be frozen! Ladle the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of space at the top for expansion. Label with the date, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it.
Reheating
To serve Easy Tomato Jam warm, spoon out the desired amount and gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it loosens up and is just heated through. You can also microwave it in 15-second intervals—just be cautious not to overheat or scorch those lovely flavors.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for flavor and color, but in a pinch, you can use high-quality canned whole tomatoes (drained first). The jam may be a bit more watery, so simmer it a little longer to achieve the perfect consistency.
Is Easy Tomato Jam spicy?
The pinch of cayenne adds just a gentle warmth—not a lot of heat. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with a quarter of the amount, then taste as it cooks. If you love some heat, feel free to double the cayenne for a bolder kick!
Can I make Easy Tomato Jam without sugar?
This recipe relies on brown sugar for its signature jammy set and caramel flavor, but you can experiment with honey or maple syrup for a nuanced sweetness. For sugar-free versions, the texture and set will be softer, but the result is still tasty!
How do I know when the jam is done?
When you drag a spoon through the mixture, it should leave a trail that doesn’t immediately fill in, and the jam should mound lightly on a spoon. Remember, it thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook in anticipation of a super-thick jam right off the heat.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Nope! The skins break down significantly during the slow simmer, and any remaining bits add nice rustic texture. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can pulse it briefly with an immersion blender before cooling.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, there’s nothing quite like homemade Easy Tomato Jam—it’s sunshine in a jar, easy to make, and just a little bit magical. If you give this recipe a try, be prepared for it to become your new favorite condiment. Let the jam-making adventures begin!
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Easy Tomato Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy to make tomato jam that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. This sweet and tangy condiment is versatile and adds a burst of flavor to your meals.
Ingredients
Tomato Jam:
- 2 pounds very good ripe tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped (I used roma tomatoes)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients: Place all the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to jam consistency.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat, allow the jam to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Jam, Condiment, Easy Recipe, Homemade Jam
