James Martin Chilli Jam
James Martin’s version of chilli jam blends red chillies, red peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar into a smooth, sticky preserve. It’s simmered down until glossy and thick, creating a vibrant jar of homemade jam that offers both heat and sweetness. This jam stands out for its simplicity and restaurant-quality results at home.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 3–4 jars
- Category: Jam
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
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8 red chillies – Deseeded if you want less heat
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2 large red bell peppers – Chopped, for bulk and sweetness
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4 garlic cloves – Adds depth of flavor
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500g caster sugar – For classic jam consistency
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250ml red wine vinegar – Sharpness to balance the sweetness
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Juice of 1 lemon – Optional, enhances flavor and helps with setting
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Pinch of salt – To round out the taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chilli blend
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Add red chillies, bell peppers, and garlic to a blender. Blitz into a smooth purée.
Step 2: Transfer to a saucepan
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Pour the purée into a large pan. Add the sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt.
Step 3: Heat and dissolve
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Warm over low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 4: Simmer to thicken
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Turn up the heat slightly and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Check for the setting point
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Use a jam thermometer (105°C/221°F) or the cold plate method. The jam should wrinkle slightly when pushed.
Step 6: Jar the jam
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Carefully spoon the hot jam into sterilized jars using a funnel. Seal tightly while hot.
Step 7: Cool and store
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Allow to cool completely before storing in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate once opened.
Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/james-martin-chilli-jam/