Tomato Jam

This old-fashioned Tomato Jam is sweet, tangy, and bursting with rich, savory flavor. Made with ripe tomatoes, brown sugar, ginger, and warming spices, it’s slow-cooked into a thick, glossy spread that’s perfect on toast, sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled meats. A versatile pantry staple you’ll want to keep on hand year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tomato Jam is a unique and flavorful condiment that adds a gourmet touch to both savory and sweet dishes. It’s a great way to use up an abundance of ripe tomatoes and has the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice. The slow simmer develops deep, caramelized flavor, and it keeps well in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ripe roma or plum tomatoes

• brown sugar

• lemon juice

• fresh ginger (grated)

• salt

• ground cumin

• crushed red pepper

• garlic powder

Directions

1. Prepare the tomatoes:
   Chop the tomatoes and remove any loose seeds. Peel if desired, but it’s not necessary for texture.

2. Combine ingredients:
   In a medium saucepot, combine chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, grated ginger, salt, cumin, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Cook the jam:
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring regularly to prevent burning.

4. Finish:
   Once the mixture is thick, sticky, and glossy, remove it from the heat. The jam should have a deep red color and a thick, spreadable consistency.

5. Store:
   Spoon into clean jars and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, freeze for up to 3 months, or can using proper sterilization methods for longer shelf life.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 16

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add a smoky twist: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

• Sweeter version: Increase brown sugar slightly for a jammy, dessert-like spread.

• Citrus notes: Use orange juice and zest in place of lemon for a bright variation.

• Chunky style: Leave tomato pieces slightly larger for a rustic texture.

• Herb-infused: Add thyme or rosemary during the last 15 minutes of cooking for depth.

Storage/Reheating

• To store: Refrigerate in airtight jars for up to 2 weeks.

• To freeze: Place cooled jam in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To can: Use sterilized jars and a proper canning method for long-term storage.

• To reheat: Serve cold or gently reheat in a saucepan if desired for serving warm.

FAQs

What kind of tomatoes are best for tomato jam?

Roma or plum tomatoes work best due to their low moisture and rich flavor, but any ripe, fresh tomatoes will do.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes are preferred, but drained canned whole tomatoes can work in a pinch. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this jam spicy?

It has a mild kick from crushed red pepper. Adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be prepared to simmer it longer to achieve the same thick consistency.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

No, the skins break down during cooking. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them beforehand.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, substitute with 1–2 minced garlic cloves added at the start of cooking.

What does tomato jam pair well with?

It’s great on burgers, toast, grilled cheese, cheese boards, roasted meats, or even scrambled eggs.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will change. Reducing sugar too much may also affect shelf life.

How do I know when the jam is done?

The mixture should be thick and glossy with very little liquid. A spoon dragged through should leave a visible trail.

Is this recipe safe for canning?

Yes, as long as you follow safe canning procedures. The acid from lemon juice helps preserve it, but always use sterilized jars and process properly.

Conclusion

This Tomato Jam is a simple, slow-cooked delight that transforms humble tomatoes into a gourmet condiment. Sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy, it’s perfect for spreading, topping, and dipping. Whether made for preserving or enjoying right away, it’s a small-batch favorite you’ll want to keep in your fridge all year long.

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