“Hot, sweet and totally addictive, we use this jam on everything. We love preserving when produce is at its best, and interesting preserves make a lovely gift, too. It will last in the fridge for a month, or you can multiply the recipe and store in sterilised jars at room temperature indefinitely.”

What you need to know before you start

This recipe comes together in roughly 20 minutes, including 10 minutes to allow the chilli jam to set. You’ll need a blender, a medium heavy-based saucepan and a jar with a lid. If you have one, a sugar thermometer will come in handy, however it’s not essential. 

Why is this the best tomato chilli jam recipe?

This easy-to-make, flavour-packed chilli jam recipe is incredibly versatile and a great accompaniment to just about any savoury dish. Perfectly ripened tomatoes are flavoured with spicy chillies, fresh ginger, garlic, sugar and red wine vinegar to create a sweet and spicy condiment that can be adjusted to your taste. From an accompaniment to simple cheese and crackers to serving dolloped over grilled lamb chops, it’s an easy and delicious way to enhance your favourite dishes.

Is chilli chutney the same as chilli jam?

While both a chilli chutney and a chilli jam will share some ingredients, the main differences are with the flavour. Chilli jam is usually sweeter, while chutneys have a more acidic taste. 

How to choose the best varieties of tomatoes in this red chilli jam recipe

Using different varieties of tomatoes in your tomato chili jam recipe can add depth and a touch of personality to the finished product. Roma, cherry or heirloom tomatoes are all excellent choices. As you’re choosing your produce, keep seasonality and cook times in mind, as different tomatoes will have different levels of moisture. You should also be aware that if you use smaller tomatoes like cherry tomatoes, you will have a higher ratio of tomato skin in your finished product. 

Regardless of which variety you’re using, look for the ripest tomatoes you can find. These should have a bright red hue (if using red tomatoes) that give a little when gently pressed but are not mushy. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Ripe tomatoes: The key ingredient to this recipe. Tomatoes provide a rich, sweet base with natural acidity that balances the heat from the chilies and adds depth to the jam.

Long red chillies: Long red chillies add a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the tomatoes. Feel free to use a combination of chillies such as bird’s-eye for extra heat.

Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a savoury, aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavour complexity and complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Fresh ginger: Fresh ginger contributes a warm, zesty kick with a slight earthiness.

Raw sugar: Raw sugar sweetens the jam and helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the chillies. It also aids in the jam's thickening process.

Red wine vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy, slightly tart note that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the overall balance of flavours in the jam.

How do you thicken chilli jam?

Your chilli jam should thicken naturally. Remove it from the heat and allow it to stand for 10 minutes and it will thicken as it cools. If you’re finding the consistency is still too runny for your liking, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp water in a bowl and stir it through your jam.

Why didn’t my chilli jam set?

The reason your chilli jam didn’t set may be because you’re choosing overripe tomatoes. Overripe produce has lower levels of pectin, a crucial ingredient found naturally in fruit to help set jams. Be sure to also use raw sugar over other types of sugar, as this less refined version helps to create a thicker jam. Use the ‘plate test’ (see recipe note) to check the consistency. 

How to store tomato and chilli jam

Tomato chilli jam will keep for 1 month in the fridge or for years in sterilised jars at room temperature. Transfer to a sterilised jar with a lid and set aside to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. 

How to serve tomato and chilli jam

This is an incredibly versatile recipe that can pair with so many different dishes. Use it as a dipping condiment for homemade sausage rolls, fritters or grilled meats. Spread it over a pizza base or serve with crackers on a cheese board, or even dollop it over scrambled eggs or roast potatoes. 

If you love our tomato and chilli jam recipe, try this 

For more sweet and savoury homemade jams, explore these recipes:

• Pear and rhubarb jam
• Fig jam
• Blueberry jam