Homemade Sweet and Spicy Red Pepper Jam (No Pectin)

A ramekin of red pepper jam with some crackers and cheese.

3.78 from 35 votes

Homemade Sweet and Spicy Red Pepper Jam (No Pectin)

Red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onions all come together in this spicy jam. Add it to grilled cheese sandwiches, use as a condiment for burgers or with sausage (for the meat lovers in the family), or serve on an appetizer tray with goat cheese and crackers.

This recipe makes 1 ½ cups of jam and can be expanded to 4 times the recipe without any adjustments. One serving equals 2 tablespoons.

Prep Time1

Cook Time45

Total Time1 45

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Keyword: red pepper jam

Servings:

Calories: 84.5kcal

Author: Susan Pridmore

Equipment

Chef's knife
box grater
Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot Use a large pot that is wide-mouthed for good evaporation as the jam cooks down.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups chopped red bell peppers 2 large bell peppers
3 large tomatoes 2 cups when grated
5 cloves minced garlic (1 solidly packed tablespoon when minced)
⅔ cup finely chopped yellow onion about ½ large onion
1 cup sherry vinegar
½ cup granulated white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
⅛ -¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Chop the peppers and add to a large, wide-mouthed pot.
Slice the tomatoes in half and grate them onto a cutting board using the largest holes on a box grater. Discard the skins. Tilt the cutting board towards your sink or a large bowl to allow excess tomato juices to run off.
Add the grated tomatoes to the pot with the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to an active simmer and cook until thick and syrupy (about 45 minutes).
Tip: The amount of syrupy consistency is dependent on how much of the tomato juices are included.
The jam will thicken as it cools. Ladle into jars and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Refer to the above post for Hot Water Bath Canning Instructions if you wish to make a lot and can it for gifts or for using throughout the year.

Nutrition