Name: Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion / Contemporary
Ingredients: 1 medium shallot, peeled and roughly chopped; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped; 3-4 long red chillies, roughly chopped (deseeded if you prefer less heat); 600 g cherry tomatoes (~1 ¼ lb); 1 lime, zest only (using a microplane); 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar (315g / 11oz); ½ cup red wine vinegar (125ml)

Jump to Recipe

If you love bold, vibrant flavors with just the right kick, this Tomato Chilli Jam is going to become your new kitchen obsession. Combining the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with fiery red chillies, a zing of lime zest, and a perfect balance of tangy vinegar and rich brown sugar, this jam is an irresistible blend of sweet heat and silky texture. Whether you spread it on toast, drizzle it over cheese, or use it as a glaze, this Tomato Chilli Jam promises to elevate any dish with its vibrant color and mouth-pleasing complexity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Tomato Chilli Jam starts with simple but essential ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting that wonderful balance of sweetness, heat, and freshness. Every item on this list helps build layers of flavor and texture that make this jam truly special.

Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth; finely chopping helps it melt smoothly into the jam.
Garlic: Provides a warm, aromatic foundation that pairs beautifully with the chillies.
Red chillies: The source of heat that you can adjust by deseeding, bringing lively spice without overpowering the jam.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness and bright color are the heart of the jam’s fresh profile.
Lime zest: Introduces a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness and lifts the flavors.
Light brown sugar: Essential for caramel-like sweetness and the jam’s signature sticky texture.
Red wine vinegar: Balances sweetness with tang, enhancing the overall complexity of the jam.

How to Make Tomato Chilli Jam

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by combining the shallot, garlic, half of the cherry tomatoes, and chillies in a blender. Puree until the mixture is as smooth as possible. This smooth base bursts with flavor and will thicken beautifully when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes and Combine

Dice the remaining cherry tomatoes into bite-sized chunks—they add delightful texture to the jam. In a medium saucepan, mix these diced tomatoes with the chilli-tomato puree, lime zest, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar. Stir everything together, ensuring the sugar is well blended.

Step 3: Cook the Jam to Perfection

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir regularly to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a rolling boil and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes, aiming for about 105°C (220°F). Watch carefully during the last 10 minutes, stirring frequently and often, especially near the end, to prevent sticking and burning. The jam is ready when it becomes thick, glossy, and jammy in consistency—the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy with a luscious texture.

Step 4: Cool and Jar

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the solids evenly distributed. When the mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it into a warm sterilized jar and seal with a lid. Let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

This Tomato Chilli Jam will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months unopened, and promises to remain vibrant for 1 month after opening. Make sure to label your jar and enjoy every spoonful!

How to Serve Tomato Chilli Jam

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped coriander or basil on top of your dishes with a dollop of Tomato Chilli Jam for an added pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds also complements the jam’s sweet-spicy notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs wonderfully with charcuterie boards, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. It’s an irresistible partner to a creamy cheese or dolloped over crispy fried snacks. The versatility of Tomato Chilli Jam means it can turn simple sides into showstoppers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using the Tomato Chilli Jam as a glaze for roasted chicken or mixed into a vinaigrette for salads. It’s also incredible drizzled over avocado toast or stirred into warm yogurt for a spicy-sweet dip. Don’t be afraid to experiment—this jam is a flavor powerhouse that rewards your creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Tomato Chilli Jam, keep it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 months unopened, and about 1 month once opened, making it perfect for weekend gatherings or spontaneous cooking inspiration.

Freezing

You can freeze the jam if you want to keep it longer. Use an airtight container or freezer-friendly jars, leaving space for expansion. When properly frozen, Tomato Chilli Jam can last up to 6 months without losing much of its flavor or texture.

Reheating

To warm the jam before serving, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to restore its glossy, spreadable consistency. Avoid overheating, which can cause the jam to burn or dry out. Reheated jam tastes just as delightful as fresh.

FAQs

Can I adjust the spiciness of the Tomato Chilli Jam?

Absolutely! Removing the seeds from the red chillies before blending will give you a milder jam, while including the seeds and even adding an extra chilli can boost the heat to suit your taste perfectly.

Is this jam suitable for canning and long-term storage?

While the recipe is great as a refrigerator jam, it is not specifically designed for long-term canning. To preserve it for longer, consider proper sterilization and sealing techniques or freezing instead.

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, but cherry tomatoes are ideal due to their natural sweetness and juiciness. If you substitute, opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes and be prepared for slight differences in texture and sweetness.

How thick should the jam be before I stop cooking?

The jam should be thick, glossy, and hold a shape when stirred with a spatula. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s okay to stop when it’s still a bit runny but noticeably reduced.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Definitely! This Tomato Chilli Jam is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great condiment for varied diets without any modifications.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Chilli Jam is a vibrant, joyful condiment that brings warmth and zest to any meal. Its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes makes it a versatile kitchen companion you’ll reach for time and again. I can’t wait for you to try making this jam — it’s truly a little jar of magic that will brighten your dishes and your day.

Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

This vibrant Tomato Chilli Jam is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, ideal as a versatile condiment to elevate your meals. Made with fresh cherry tomatoes, red chillies, and a hint of lime zest, it’s a homemade preserve that adds a delicious kick to cheeses, breads, grilled meats, and more.

Author: mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 jar (about 300–350 ml) 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Blending and boiling
Cuisine: Fusion / Contemporary
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
3–4 long red chillies, roughly chopped (deseeded if you prefer less heat)
600 g cherry tomatoes (~1 ¼ lb)
1 lime, zest only (using a microplane)

Other Ingredients

1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar (315g / 11oz)
½ cup red wine vinegar (125ml)

Instructions

Prepare the puree: Place the shallot, garlic, chilli, and half of the cherry tomatoes into a blender and blend to a smooth puree.
Combine ingredients: Dice the remaining tomatoes into 6 or 8 pieces depending on size and add to a medium saucepan. Add the chilli-tomato puree, lime zest, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar, mixing well.
Cook the jam: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring regularly to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 25-30 minutes until the temperature reaches approximately 105°C (220°F). Stir often in the last 10 minutes to prevent sticking, and especially frequently in the last 5 minutes. The jam is ready when it is thick, glossy, and jammy in consistency, leaving a clear space when you drag a spatula through it. Optionally, blend with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
Cool down: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent solids from settling at the bottom.
Jar and store: Transfer the jam into a warm sterilised preserving jar, seal tightly, and allow it to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Once opened, consume within 1 month.
Enjoy and share: Please take a moment to leave a comment and rating; your feedback is much appreciated and helpful!

Notes

If you prefer less heat, deseed the chillies before blending.
The jam thickens more as it cools, so don’t overcook it to a very stiff consistency on the stove.
Use sterilised jars to ensure longer shelf life and safety.
This jam pairs wonderfully with cheese boards, sandwiches, grilled meats, and as a glaze.
Store in the refrigerator once opened and consume within one month.