This Apple Chili Spread is a smooth blend of fresh apples, mild chili, lemon and a hint of ginger.
It has a gentle warmth and a bright, fruity taste that works beautifully with cheese boards, sandwiches or simple toast.
The texture is soft and spoonable, somewhere between a jam and a savory spread, so you can enjoy it in both sweet and savory dishes.
Apple Chili Jam
A sweet and spicy apple chili jam made with fresh apples, red chilies, lemon juice, and ginger. Delicious as a spread, with cheese, or as a glaze. Simple to prepare and full of bright, zesty flavor.
Servings: 10
Calories: 125kcal
Ingredients
- 750 g apples about 4–5 medium, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 –3 fresh red chilies chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 –3 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 200 g sugar or adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon pectin or use jam sugar containing pectin
- 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil or neutral oil
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core and chop the apples into small cubes.
- Place in a large saucepan.
- Cook the fruit: Add chopped chilies, grated ginger, lemon juice and rapeseed oil.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until apples begin to soften (about 10–15 minutes).
- Blend: Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the mixture until smooth (or leave it a little chunky if you prefer).
- Sweeten and thicken: Return to the pan.
- Add sugar, salt, and pectin.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened (it will set more as it cools).
- Test consistency: Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it cool a minute—if it wrinkles slightly when pushed, it’s ready.
- Jar: Pour hot spread into sterilized jars. Seal immediately and let cool at room temperature.
Notes
- If you prefer a very smooth jam, blend it carefully with an immersion blender after cooking.
- The heat level depends on your chilies. Use fewer or deseed completely for mild jam, or leave some seeds in for extra kick.
- Test the set by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate—if it wrinkles when you push it, it’s ready.
- Store in sterilized jars and refrigerate after opening.
Serving Ideas
- Spoon over cream cheese on crackers for a quick appetizer.
- Pair with aged cheddar or goat cheese on a cheese board.
- Use as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps for sweet heat.
- Swirl into yogurt or serve alongside grilled vegetables.
Recipe Twists
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- Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while cooking (remove before jarring).
- Citrus Note: Replace some lemon juice with orange juice for a softer acidity.
- Smoky Version: Use smoked chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Extra Fruit: Mix in chopped pears or a handful of cranberries for added texture.
- Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar slightly and use low-sugar pectin, though the shelf life will be shorter.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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