Sweet & Tangy Cherry Tomato Jam Recipe

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Are you a gardener looking for recipes for your abundant crop of fresh tomatoes? Easily grown, tomatoes from the garden taste so much better than most in grocery stores. Sweet & Tangy Cherry Tomato Jam Recipe uniquely combines the natural sweetness of summer tomatoes with the acidity of lemon juice and cider vinegar.

this recipe

Extend the life of your tomatoes with this quick and easy recipe. Create a vibrant sauce in 35 minutes and use this delicious jam anytime you need a boost of piquant flavor.

Jump to:

• Tomato Jam Uses
• Ingredients
• How to Prepare the Recipe
• FAQ's
• Preserve the Flavor
• Recipe
• FAQ's

Tomato Jam Uses

The sweet and tangy flavor of this tomato jam makes it a great match with many different foods. It is a tasty alternative to more commonplace condiments you may have in your refrigerator.

• Topping Tomato jam is a great addition to burgers. Use salty cheeses like sharp cheddar, Roquefort, or pecorino Romano. The sweet tang of the jam is a sharp contrast to salty cheeses and will create a divinely flavored burger that is a little off the beaten path of the usual ketchup and mustard combination.
• Marinade The sweetness and acid of tomato jam will tenderize and flavor meat. Use a ratio of 3 parts olive oil to 1 part tomato jam. Add some red chili flakes for a touch of heat if you like spicy flavor in your food. Set aside some of the marinade before adding the meat. You can brush the marinade on as a glaze once you have cooked your favorite protein.
• Eggs Tomato jam and eggs are a match made in heaven. I like to serve it with scrambled eggs. For an easy meal, try this frittata with a dollop of the jam on top - https://tenpoundcakecompany.com/zucchini-frittata-with-tomato-jam/.
• Charcuterie Board Having a party? Add a small bowl of tomato jam to a cheese board with your favorite snacks. Salty items like thinly sliced prosciutto or a smear of blue cheese on a piece of crusty toasted baguette are so flavorful when garnished with a spoon of tomato jam.
• Gifts A jar of homemade tomato jam makes a great gift.

Ingredients

With a handful of simple ingredients, this is a perfect way to use fresh tomatoes.  This easy tomato jam recipe makes about 1 ½ cups.

• Tomatoes One pound of small tomatoes such as cherry or grape varieties. I like to use multi-colored tomatoes for visual interest.

• Shallots Mildly sweet, cooking enhances the sugars and lessens the bite.
• Granulated Sugar As the water in the jam boils, it evaporates. The sugar is reduced to a syrupy consistency.
• Apple Cider Vinegar The sour vinegar adds slight fruity and tangy flavors 
• Lemon Juice and Zest Lemon juice adds brightness and the zest brings a concentrated citrus flavor.
• Flavorings Bay leaf, cumin seeds, and red pepper flakes add depth of flavor.
• Kosher Salt The salt works in tandem with the vinegar and lemon juice to season the tomato jam.

How to Prepare the Recipe

There is very little prep for this simple recipe.

Assemble a Bouquet Garni

• A bouquet garni is a bundle of herbs and spices used to flavor stews, soups, or the liquid base of other recipes. This allows the herbs and spices to infuse their flavor into the jam.
• Have a 5"x5" piece of cheesecloth. A coffee filter can be used as a substitute.
• Add the bay leaf, cumin seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Bring up the ends of the cheesecloth, creating a bundle, and tie it with a piece of string. Make sure to have a piece of string long enough to tie to the handle of the pot.

Making the Jam

• Add the tomatoes, thinly sliced shallots, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and zest, and kosher salt to a small pot. Stir to combine the sugar and salt with the liquids.

• Nestle the bouquet garni among the tomatoes and shallots.

• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Lower to medium heat and continue to simmer the jam. The tomatoes will split and pop as they cook.
• The liquid in the pan will start to thicken as the tomatoes release their liquid and the sugar liquifies. After 25 minutes the jam should be syrupy. Do not cook out all the liquid.  You want the jammy consistency of thickened juices with very soft and squishy tomatoes.
• Remove the bouquet garni from the pan and squeeze to remove any liquid.
• As the tomatoes cool, the jam will continue to thicken. The liquid should coat the back of a spoon.  

• Store in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator.  I like to use a glass container because of the acidity of the tomatoes.

FAQ's

Preserve the Flavor

Sweet & Tangy Cherry Tomato Jam Recipe transforms sun-ripened, plump, and juicy tomatoes into a piquant condiment that will complement many foods and has many uses.

Easy to make, this sweet tomato jam is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer. Bursting with a bright tang, make this recipe soon. In a short time, you can create a versatile spread to garnish your favorite dishes.

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