Craving something that’s fiery, tangy, and sweet—all at once? This chilli jam recipe is your go-to condiment for adding bold flavor to just about anything. Whether you’re layering it on sandwiches, serving it with cheese boards, or glazing grilled veggies, chilli jam will elevate your meals with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
In just 30 minutes, you can make a batch of vibrant, sticky, and irresistible chilli jam at home—no fancy equipment needed.
🌶️ What Is Chilli Jam?
Chilli jam is a sticky, sweet-and-spicy preserve made using fresh red chillies, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and sometimes bell peppers or tomatoes for added body. It’s different from traditional chilli sauce or chutney because it has a glossy, jam-like consistency—perfect for spreading or dipping.
🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
To prepare this delicious chilli jam recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 200g fresh red chillies (adjust based on spice level)
- 1 red bell pepper (optional for color and texture)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
- 3–4 garlic cloves
- 250g sugar (you can use a mix of white and brown sugar)
- 100ml apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional for freshness)
- Salt – ½ tsp
🔪 How to Make Chilli Jam – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Chillies and Peppers
- Remove the stalks of the chillies and deseed them if you prefer less heat.
- Roughly chop chillies, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Place them into a blender or food processor and blitz until finely chopped (not fully pureed).
Step 2: Cook the Jam
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the sugar, vinegar, ginger, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
- The jam should thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- You can test by placing a drop on a cold plate—if it sets and wrinkles slightly when touched, it’s done!
Step 4: Cool and Store
- Let the jam cool for a few minutes.
- Pour into sterilized glass jars and seal.
- Store in the fridge and use within 4–6 weeks.
💡 Tips for the Best Chilli Jam
- Mild or hot? Use a mix of mild and spicy chillies to customize the heat.
- Consistency check: Jam thickens more after cooling. Don’t overcook.
- Vegan friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of soy sauce or tamarind for depth.
📌 People Also Ask
❓ What is chilli jam made of?
Chilli jam is made of red chillies, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and sometimes bell peppers. The ingredients are blended and cooked down to a thick, sticky preserve.
❓ Is chilli jam very spicy?
It can be, but you can control the spice by removing seeds or using milder chillies. Balancing with sugar and vinegar tones down the heat.
❓ What do you eat chilli jam with?
Chilli jam pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, spring rolls, samosas, pakoras, crackers, or as a dip with chips. It also works as a glaze for tofu or paneer.
❓ How long does homemade chilli jam last?
Stored in sterilized jars and refrigerated, chilli jam can last up to 1–2 months. Make sure to use a clean, dry spoon every time.
❓ चिल्ली जॅम म्हणजे काय?
चिल्ली जॅम हा मिरची, साखर, लसूण आणि व्हिनेगरपासून तयार होणारा गोडसर व तिखट असा सॉस आहे, जो स्नॅक्स, सँडविचेस किंवा भजीसोबत वापरला जातो.
🧑🍳 Variations You Can Try
- Garlic chilli jam: Add more garlic for an intense umami flavor.
- Chilli tomato jam: Add a few chopped tomatoes while cooking for a richer base.
- Herb-infused chilli jam: Add chopped basil or coriander at the end for a fresh twist.
🥪 How to Use Chilli Jam
Chilli jam is a versatile condiment you can use in many delicious ways:
- 🧀 On cheese platters as a sweet and spicy contrast
- 🍔 As a burger relish or sandwich spread
- 🥟 With momos, pakoras, and spring rolls
- 🥗 Drizzle over roasted vegetables or salads
- 🍗 As a glaze for grilled tofu, tempeh, or paneer
🍽 Final Thoughts
This chilli jam recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors. It’s quick to make, stores well, and makes for a fantastic homemade gift too. Plus, you can adjust the heat level to your liking, which makes it even better than store-bought!
Try it once, and you’ll never want to be without a jar in your fridge.
