If you're looking for a unique and versatile condiment to elevate your dishes, tomato jam is a delightful choice. This sweet and savory spread offers a burst of flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods.

Why You'll Love It

Fast.
Easy.
Versatile.
Delicious.

Homemade tomato jam is a delightful condiment that adds a unique touch to a variety of dishes. With ripe tomatoes, a few simple ingredients, and a bit of patience, you can create a flavorful spread that will elevate your culinary creations

Is Tomato Jam The Same As Ketchup?

Tomato jam and ketchup are similar in that they both use tomatoes as the main ingredient, but they are not the same thing. There are a few key differences between tomato jam and ketchup:

Texture- This jam has a chunkier and thicker texture compared to the smooth and pourable consistency of ketchup. Tomato jam often retains small pieces of tomato, while ketchup is typically processed to be completely smooth.
Sweetness- It is generally sweeter than ketchup. It contains sugar or other sweeteners to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and create a sweet and tangy flavor profile. Ketchup, on the other hand, has a more balanced taste with a milder sweetness.
Seasonings and Spices- Tomato jam often incorporates additional spices and flavors such as ginger, cumin, garlic, or even chili peppers to enhance its taste. Ketchup, on the other hand, typically contains a combination of vinegar, sugar, salt, and various spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

What Is Tomato Jam Made Of?

Ripe tomatoes
Brown sugar
Lemon juice
Ginger
Cayenne Pepper
Garlic Powder
Red Pepper Flakes
Cumin
Salt

How To Make Tomato Jam

Prepare the Tomatoes- Core the ripe tomatoes and chop them into small pieces. Remove any green stems or tough parts. The tomatoes should be juicy and flavorful for the best results.
Saute the Tomatoes- Set your Instant Pot to "Saute" mode and heat a little oil. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to break down.
Add the Remaining Ingredients- Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, cumin, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Pressure Cook- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to "Pressure Cook" mode on high pressure. Adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes. Make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position.
Natural Pressure Release- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the pressure valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
Blend it up. Once the jam cools to room temperature, use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency.

Close up of tomato jam in a glass jar with a spoon

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious tomato jam:

Choose Ripe Tomatoes- Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results. The sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes will contribute to the depth of flavor in your jam.
Balance Sweetness and Acidity- It should have a balance of sweetness and acidity. Taste your tomatoes before starting and adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice accordingly. If your tomatoes are particularly sweet, you may need less sugar.
Adjust Consistency- If you prefer a smoother texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to break down any remaining tomato chunks. For a chunkier texture, leave some pieces of tomato intact.

Variations

Sweet and Spicy- Combine the sweetness of tomatoes with a hint of spice by incorporating ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, or cloves. The warm and spicy notes will balance out the sweetness and create a tantalizing flavor profile.
Herbed Tomato Jam- Infuse your tomato jam with fresh herbs to add a layer of aromatic flavors. Consider adding chopped basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano during the cooking process. The herbs will complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and create a unique taste profile.
Mediterranean- Give your tomato jam a Mediterranean flair by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, and a sprinkle of dried herbs such as oregano or thyme. This variation works well as a dip or a flavorful topping for bruschetta or crostini.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations that appeal to you. Adjust the quantities of ingredients based on your personal taste preferences, and have fun discovering your favorite variation of tomato jam.

What Do You Eat With Tomato Jam?

There are so many ways to enjoy tomato jam! Whether you prefer to use it as a spread, a sauce, or incorporate it into one of your favorite recipes, you're going to love it! Here are just a few of my favorite ways to use it:

Spread it on toast or crusty bread for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Use it as a condiment for burgers, sandwiches, or wraps to add a tangy kick.
Pair it with cheese and crackers for an appetizer with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Incorporate it into recipes such as glazes for roasted meats, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or as a flavor enhancer in sauces and dressings.

How Long Does It Last?

After making tomato jam, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to clean, airtight jars or containers. Store the jars in the refrigerator. When properly stored, tomato jam can last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze It?

Freezing is a great option if you have excess tomato jam or want to preserve it for longer periods.

After making it, let it cool completely to room temperature. You can either freeze the entire batch of tomato jam or divide it into smaller containers or freezer-safe bags for individual servings. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference. The frozen Instant Pot Tomato Jam can last up to 3-6 months.

When you're ready to use the frozen tomato jam, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once it is defrosted, the texture may become slightly softer, but the flavor should remain intact.

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