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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Servings:

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

US Customary - Metric

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

- 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