Dive into the world of homemade condiments with our irresistible recipe for Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Jam. Bursting with the bold flavors of fresh red chili peppers, garlic, onion, and a hint of tangy lime, this versatile jam is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, glazing meats, or stirring it into dips, this homemade chili jam is sure to elevate any dish. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create this delicious condiment that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 6 fresh red chili peppers, coarsely chopped
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 white onion, roughly diced
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Begin by preparing the chili peppers, garlic, and onion as directed.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, diced onion, granulated sugar, white wine vinegar, water, and lime juice.
- Cook on Low Heat:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low heat for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Mash and Simmer:
- After the initial cooking time, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the mixture to your desired consistency.
- Continue to cook the jam, uncovered, on low heat for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it has thickened to your liking.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the chili jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled jam to clean, sterilized jars and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Jam with your favorite dishes, or give it as a homemade gift to friends and family.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Adjusting the Heat: For a milder jam, remove the seeds and membranes from the chili peppers before chopping them. For extra heat, leave the seeds intact or add additional chili peppers.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a smoother jam, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before transferring it to jars.
- Customize the Flavor: Experiment with different types of chili peppers, such as jalapeños or habaneros, to customize the flavor and heat level of the jam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use dried chili peppers instead of fresh? A: While fresh chili peppers are preferred for their vibrant flavor, you can use dried chili peppers if that’s what you have on hand. Simply rehydrate them in hot water before chopping and adding them to the slow cooker.
Q: How spicy is this chili jam? A: The heat level of the jam will depend on the type and quantity of chili peppers used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chili peppers, as well as by removing the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I make this jam on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can certainly make this chili jam on the stovetop. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan, bring them to a simmer over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
Q: Can I preserve this jam for long-term storage? A: While this jam is best enjoyed fresh, you can preserve it for longer storage by canning it using proper canning techniques. Be sure to follow safe canning practices to ensure the jam stays safe to eat.
Q: What are some ways to use this chili jam? A: This versatile jam can be used in a variety of ways, such as a spread for sandwiches or burgers, a glaze for grilled meats or seafood, a topping for cheese boards or appetizers, or stirred into sauces and dips for added flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can adapt this recipe:
- Keto Version: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as keto sweeteners are often much sweeter than sugar. Reduce the amount of water to achieve a thicker consistency without affecting the flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version adjustments above, and consider reducing the amount of onion and lime juice to further lower the carb content. You can also experiment with using a combination of low-carb fruits such as berries or rhubarb in place of some of the chili peppers for added flavor.
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with our homemade Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Jam. Whether slathered on sandwiches, used as a glaze for meats, or stirred into sauces and dips, this versatile condiment is sure to add a delicious twist to any dish. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavor of Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Jam!
