Jamie Oliver Chilli Jam Recipe

I remember the first time I tried homemade chilli jam. It was at a friend’s house during a summer barbecue, and I was instantly hooked. The sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors blended together in a way that left my taste buds dancing. The rich red color was almost as inviting as the taste itself. Ever since that day, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect chilli jam. While there are many recipes out there, Jamie Oliver’s chilli jam stands out for its simplicity and full-bodied flavor. It’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and when you get the technique right, it becomes a condiment that pairs well with almost anything.

In this post, we’ll walk through Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam recipe step by step. I’ll give you a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, show you how to make it, dive into the science behind the ingredients, and throw in some tips from experts. Plus, I’ll share a few ways to tweak the recipe to suit your taste.

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam Recipe

Jamie’s version of chilli jam is famous for being not too complicated yet producing exceptional results. It’s ideal for anyone who’s looking to make a vibrant, flavorful condiment at home. There’s something about the contrast between the heat from the chillies and the sweetness from the sugar that elevates it beyond just another jam.

Here’s the recipe:

• Ingredients

  • 200g red chillies (around 6-8 medium chillies)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 200g red peppers (2-3 medium)
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 200g sugar (caster or white sugar)
  • 150ml white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)

• Instructions

  1. Blitz the chillies, garlic, and red peppers in a food processor until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a large pan over medium heat, add sugar, vinegar, fish sauce, and honey if using.
  3. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil, making sure the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.
  5. Test the thickness by placing a small amount on a cold plate and letting it sit for a minute.
  6. Once done, pour into sterilized jars, let it cool, and store in the fridge.

Ingredients Needed

Making chilli jam is all about balancing heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Each ingredient in Jamie’s recipe plays a specific role, and they all come together to create a beautiful flavor profile.

• Red Chillies: These are the heart and soul of the recipe. They give the jam its signature heat and vibrant color. You can adjust the number of chillies to control the spice level. More chillies = more heat.
• Garlic: Adds a savory note to balance the sweetness. It also deepens the overall flavor, making the jam more complex.
• Red Peppers: They provide the jam with a natural sweetness, complementing the heat from the chillies. They also help balance the consistency, ensuring that the jam isn’t too thick or too runny.
• Ginger: A little kick from the fresh ginger amplifies the jam’s flavor and gives it an exotic twist. It pairs beautifully with the chillies.
• Sugar: This is where the sweetness comes from, but it also plays an essential role in the preservation process. The sugar helps the jam set and ensures a long shelf life.
• White Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness and heat. The vinegar cuts through the richness and gives the jam a bright, tangy finish.
• Fish Sauce: It adds umami, the savory depth that makes the jam irresistible. Fish sauce is optional, but it adds that distinctive flavor Jamie’s recipe is known for.
• Honey: A touch of honey helps mellow out the heat and rounds out the sweetness. It’s optional, but if you’re aiming for a more balanced flavor, it’s worth considering.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam

Here’s a deep dive into the process:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the chillies, garlic, and peppers. Slice the chillies (you can deseed them if you want less heat) and remove the stems. Peel the garlic and roughly chop the peppers. Grate the ginger.
2. Blending the base: Blitz the chillies, garlic, and peppers in a food processor or blender. You want a smooth paste, but don’t stress about perfection. A few bits here and there won’t hurt.
3. Simmering the mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a large pan. Add the sugar, vinegar, fish sauce, and honey (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This is where the magic happens. As it simmers, the ingredients meld together into a rich, flavorful base.
4. Cooking to perfection: Let the mixture simmer on medium heat for around 30-40 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even consistency. Keep an eye on it, and don’t be afraid to adjust the heat if it starts bubbling too much.
5. Testing the consistency: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate. Let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through the jam – if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
6. Jarring the jam: Once thickened, pour the jam into sterilized jars while it’s still hot. Seal the jars and allow them to cool at room temperature.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Each ingredient in Jamie Oliver’s chilli jam recipe serves a specific purpose in both flavor and texture:

• Chillies: The capsaicin in chillies is what gives them their heat. It triggers pain receptors in the mouth, giving you that signature burn. But capsaicin also balances sweetness, which is why chilli jam works so well.
• Sugar: Sugar doesn’t just add sweetness. It’s also a preservative. It helps the jam thicken and gives it that glossy texture that’s so appealing.
• Vinegar: The acidity in vinegar breaks down the sugar, balancing out the jam’s sweetness and preventing it from becoming cloying.
• Fish Sauce: It’s the secret ingredient. Fish sauce contains amino acids that enhance the overall flavor profile, especially in savory dishes. It adds depth and complexity.

Expert Tips

• Adjust heat levels: If you want to tone down the heat, try using fewer chillies or removing the seeds. If you like it fiery, keep them in or even add a couple of extra chillies.
• Add more sweetness: For a sweeter jam, you can increase the sugar or drizzle in more honey at the end. Taste as you go to ensure it suits your personal preference.
• Sterilize jars properly: Sterilizing the jars ensures that your jam lasts longer. A simple way is to wash them, then place them in a hot oven (around 160°C/320°F) for 10 minutes to kill any bacteria.
• Test consistency early: If you’re unsure about the jam setting, you can test it earlier. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to thicken once cooled.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s chilli jam is that it’s versatile. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Sweet Chilli Jam: Increase the amount of red peppers and decrease the chillies for a sweeter version.
• Spicy Chilli Jam: Add a few more bird’s eye chillies or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Roasted Garlic: For a deeper, more mellow garlic flavor, roast the garlic before blending it into the jam.
• Herb-infused Jam: Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme while simmering for an herbal twist.

Final Words

Chilli jam is such a rewarding recipe to make. It might take a bit of time and patience, but the end result is so worth it. Whether you spread it on a piece of toast, pair it with cheese, or use it as a dip for spring rolls, it always brings that extra oomph to the table. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy is unlike anything you can buy in a jar.

FAQs

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

You’ll need red chillies, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sugar, and pectin.

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

It usually takes about 45 minutes to cook and about 1 hour to set.

Can I Adjust The Spiciness In Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Jam?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chillies.