This Easy Tomato Jam transforms ordinary roma tomatoes into a versatile sweet-savory condiment that’s bursting with complex flavors. The combination of warm spices, ginger, and vinegar creates a perfect balance that elevates everything from cheese boards to sandwiches. This slow-simmered delicacy captures the essence of summer tomatoes in a spreadable form that can be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary with minimal hands-on effort
• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors in one versatile condiment
• Makes an impressive homemade gift that’s far more special than store-bought alternatives
• Great way to preserve an abundance of summer tomatoes
• Extremely versatile – use it on burgers, cheese boards, as a glaze for meats, or paired with breakfast dishes

Ingredients

• Roma Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm roma tomatoes for their meaty texture and concentrated flavor. They contain less water than other varieties, making them perfect for jam.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds a bright, zippy flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Fresh is essential here – don’t substitute powdered.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep molasses note that complements the tomatoes. You can adjust slightly based on the natural sweetness of your tomatoes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings necessary acidity and helps preserve the jam. White wine vinegar can be substituted in a pinch.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth. Use high-quality Ceylon cinnamon if available for the best flavor.
• Cumin: Provides an earthy undertone that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a pleasant heat that builds subtly. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and creates balance in the jam.

Variations

Smoky Chipotle Tomato Jam

Replace the red pepper flakes with 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. This variation has a deep smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and sandwiches.

Herb-Infused Tomato Jam

Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a more herbaceous profile. This version is particularly delicious on goat cheese crostini or paired with Mediterranean dishes.

Balsamic Tomato Jam

Substitute half of the apple cider vinegar with good quality balsamic vinegar and add a tablespoon of lemon zest. This creates a more sophisticated jam perfect for cheese boards and gourmet applications.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

Place the chopped roma tomatoes in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot along with the grated ginger, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. Using a heavy-bottomed pot is crucial to prevent scorching during the long simmer.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Reduce

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubble. This slow, steady simmer allows the flavors to meld while the liquid gradually evaporates. The mixture will initially be very watery and bright red.

Step 3: Simmer and Reduce

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 hours, stirring frequently to prevent burning, especially as it thickens. The jam is ready when most of the liquid has evaporated, resulting in a dark, thick consistency. When you drag a spoon through the middle, it should be slow to fill back in. The color will deepen to a rich burgundy, and the texture will become glossy and jammy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For the best flavor development, don’t rush the cooking process – a slow, gentle simmer is key
• Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to allow for better evaporation and prevent scorching
• Stir more frequently toward the end of cooking when the mixture is thicker and more likely to burn
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender halfway through cooking
• For a less chunky consistency, dice your tomatoes smaller at the beginning
• The jam will thicken further as it cools, so stop cooking when it’s slightly looser than your desired final consistency

How to Serve

This versatile tomato jam shines in countless applications. Serve it alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar, brie, or goat cheese for an impressive appetizer. Spread it on burgers or sandwiches as a gourmet alternative to ketchup. Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking. For breakfast, spread it on toast with cream cheese or spoon it over scrambled eggs. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to savory pastries or as a base for an elevated pizza.

Make Ahead

This tomato jam is perfect for making ahead and actually improves after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld. Once cooled completely, transfer to airtight glass jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months – just leave a half-inch of headspace for expansion.

For shelf-stable storage, process filled jars in a water bath according to safe canning guidelines (typically 15 minutes for half-pint jars). Properly canned jam will keep for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes! While roma tomatoes are ideal for their meaty texture and low water content, you can use any variety of ripe tomatoes. Just be aware that juicier varieties may require additional cooking time to reach the proper consistency.

Is this tomato jam spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat level from the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust by reducing or increasing the amount based on your preference. For a completely mild version, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

The sugar serves both as a preservative and balances the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar. You can reduce it by up to 1/4 cup, but a significant reduction will affect both the consistency and shelf-life of the jam.

How do I know when the jam is done cooking?

The jam is ready when it has a thick, glossy consistency and a deep burgundy color. When you draw a spoon through the center of the pot, it should leave a trail that fills in slowly. Remember that the jam will thicken further as it cools.

Conclusion

This Easy Tomato Jam is a culinary treasure that transforms humble tomatoes into a sophisticated condiment worthy of any gourmet kitchen. The long, slow simmer concentrates the flavors and creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re looking to preserve summer’s bounty or simply want to elevate your everyday meals, this versatile jam deserves a place in your recipe collection. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making batch after batch to keep on hand for countless delicious applications.

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