If you love the idea of turning fresh, ripe tomatoes into a luscious spread that bursts with sweet and tangy flavors, you’re going to adore this Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe. This delightful jam is the perfect balance of natural tomato sweetness, warm spices, and zesty brightness, creating a versatile condiment that elevates everything from sandwiches to cheese boards. Making your own tomato jam at home might seem intimidating, but with a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a jar of this vibrant jam that tastes infinitely better than anything store-bought. Trust me, once you try this Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe, it will quickly become one of your kitchen staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient harmonizes to build layers of flavor and texture. These essentials work together to ensure your tomato jam has that perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice.
- 3 ½ pounds tomatoes (cored, chopped, most seeds removed): Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the juicy base and natural sweetness essential for the jam’s rich texture.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds a subtle savory depth that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugars.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings warmth and molasses undertones that enhance the jam’s complexity.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds clean sweetness that helps preserve the jam and round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates the natural flavors and keeps things well balanced.
- ½ teaspoon coriander: Offers a gentle citrusy note that brightens the jam.
- ¼ teaspoon cumin: Introduces a subtle earthiness without overpowering the tomatoes.
- ¼ cup cider vinegar: Provides the crucial tang and acidity that preserves the jam and sharpens the profile.
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds freshness and zesty brightness to keep the flavor lively.
How to Make Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by coring and chopping your tomatoes, removing most of the seeds to avoid excess liquid, which helps the jam thicken properly. Dice the onion finely so it cooks evenly and melds perfectly into the mixture.
Step 2: Combine in a Dutch Oven
Place tomatoes, onion, both sugars, salt, coriander, cumin, cider vinegar, and lemon juice into a large Dutch oven. This heavy pot ensures even heat distribution, which is essential for jam making.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer
Turn on the heat to medium-high and bring the entire mixture to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
Step 4: Let It Thicken Like Jam
Patience is key here: allow the mixture to cook for at least three hours. Over this time, it will reduce down and transform into a thick, glossy tomato jam. Stir occasionally, and enjoy the mesmerizing aromas filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Cool and Store or Can
Once your jam has reached the perfect consistency, you have two great options: let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to three weeks or proceed to can it using a hot water bath to enjoy shelf-stable homemade tomato jam any time you want.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of this tomato jam looks stunning atop fresh herb sprigs like basil or thyme, adding a pop of color and refreshing aroma that entices the senses even before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, acting as a sweet and tangy complement that brings out the savory richness in each bite. Try it alongside roasted chicken or even smashed potatoes for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe on a cheeseboard with a mix of sharp cheeses, nuts, and crusty bread for an irresistible snack or appetizer. You can also swirl it into creamy yogurt or use it as a glaze for savory tartlets to impress guests with unique flavor combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After opening, keep your tomato jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks — making it perfect for whenever you want an easy burst of homemade flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the jam long after the tomato season, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm your tomato jam in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency. Avoid high heat to preserve its fresh flavors and prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ripe red tomatoes are classic, you can experiment with heirlooms or Roma tomatoes for varying sweetness and texture, just remember to remove excess seeds to keep it from being too watery.
How long does homemade tomato jam last without canning?
Stored properly in the fridge, this jam will stay fresh for about three weeks. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze or can it to extend its shelf life safely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free, as all the ingredients are plant-based and do not contain gluten.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?
Of course! The sugar and spices can be tweaked to your taste, whether you prefer it sweeter, spicier, or with a different herb or spice twist to suit your preferences.
What’s the best way to can tomato jam safely?
Use a hot water bath canning method with sterilized jars and lids. Ensure the jam’s acidity is sufficient for safe preservation—following trusted canning guidelines will keep your jam safe to enjoy for months.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe is such a rewarding experience that brings the fresh taste of tomatoes into a new realm of deliciousness. It’s wonderfully versatile, easy to make, and truly elevates the simplest meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this sweet-savory jam can add magic to your kitchen creations. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Easy Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy homemade tomato jam is a sweet and tangy preserve made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. Slow-cooked to a thick, jam-like consistency, it’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, cheeses, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ½ pounds tomatoes, cored, chopped, and most seeds removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped tomatoes, diced onion, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, coriander, cumin, cider vinegar, and lemon juice into a dutch oven. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure consistent cooking.
- Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for at least three hours until the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Store: Once thickened, you can either proceed to preserve the tomato jam by canning it in a hot water bath or let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Notes
- Removing most of the tomato seeds helps reduce bitterness and results in a smoother jam.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- If you prefer a spicier jam, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes during the simmering stage.
- The jam can be canned using sterilized jars and processed in a hot water bath for long-term storage.
