Strawberry Balsamic Jam

If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavor combinations, this Strawberry Balsamic Jam is about to rock your world. It’s like the classic strawberry jam you know and love, but with a rich, tangy twist from balsamic vinegar that really elevates the flavor profile. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries meets the deep, complex notes of balsamic vinegar, creating a jam that’s sophisticated yet comforting. Whether you spread it on toast, dollop it on cheese, or pair it with grilled meats, this jam will quickly become a pantry staple. Trust me—once you try this, you won’t be able to stop! Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Balsamic Jam

This jam is not only a delicious treat, but it also adds a gourmet touch to whatever you pair it with. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

Sweet and Savory Balance

The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic vinegar is a match made in flavor heaven. It’s a jam with depth and complexity, perfect for those who love a little something extra in their spreads.

Versatile

Strawberry Balsamic Jam isn’t just for toast or scones. You can use it as a topping for grilled meats, like chicken or pork, or spread it on a cheese board. It’s perfect for everything from a casual snack to a fancy appetizer.

Quick and Easy

While it may sound fancy, this jam is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create something that tastes like it came from a high-end boutique.

Make-Ahead

Since this jam lasts for weeks (or even months if properly stored), it’s perfect for making ahead of time. You can store it in jars, give it as gifts, or simply have it on hand for when you need a flavor boost.

Homemade Goodness

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own jam from scratch. The sweetness of the strawberries combined with the richness of the balsamic vinegar will have your kitchen smelling amazing, and the end result is pure joy.

Ingredients in Strawberry Balsamic Jam

This jam is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of the show. The juicier, the better!
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Make sure to use a good-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
• Sugar: Helps sweeten the jam and thicken it to that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness and help preserve the jam.
• Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance all the flavors and tie everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this jam! It’s easier than you think:

Prep the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling your strawberries. Cut them into small pieces to help them break down more easily during cooking.

Cook the Strawberries

In a medium saucepan, add your strawberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Simmer and Stir

Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the strawberries will break down and the mixture will thicken. This process usually takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the ripeness of your strawberries.

Test for Doneness

To check if your jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam—if it wrinkles and doesn’t run, it’s done. If it’s still too runny, cook it a bit longer.

Jar the Jam

Once the jam has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely. If you’re planning to store it for an extended period, make sure the jars are properly sealed using the canning method.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, your Strawberry Balsamic Jam is ready to use! Spread it on toast, drizzle it over cheese, or use it as a topping for meats and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
• Cook Time: [Time to cook and reduce]
• Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Strawberry Balsamic Jam

This jam is so versatile that you’ll find yourself using it in all kinds of delicious ways. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• With Cheese: Pair this jam with soft cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or brie for a sophisticated snack. It also works beautifully with aged cheeses like cheddar.
• On Toast: Spread it on warm, buttered toast or an English muffin for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• On Grilled Meats: This jam makes a fabulous glaze or topping for grilled chicken, pork chops, or lamb. The sweet-tangy flavor adds a gourmet touch to your meal.
• With Scones or Biscuits: Serve it with freshly baked scones or biscuits for a charming afternoon tea.
• As a Gift: This jam is perfect for giving as a homemade gift. Just pour it into cute jars, add a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful treat anyone will appreciate.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your jam turns out perfectly every time:

Choose the Right Strawberries

The better the strawberries, the better the jam. Choose ripe, juicy berries for the sweetest, most flavorful jam. Overripe strawberries work especially well here, as they break down easily and yield more juice.

Adjust the Sweetness

The amount of sugar in this recipe is pretty flexible. If you like your jam on the tart side, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more.

Properly Sterilize Jars

To store your jam for a long time, make sure to properly sterilize your jars. You can do this by boiling the jars in hot water or running them through the dishwasher on a hot cycle. This will help prevent spoilage and ensure your jam stays fresh.

Can I Can This Jam?

Yes! If you want to preserve this jam for longer, you can use proper canning techniques to seal your jars. This will allow you to store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Making it Thicker

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can cook the jam longer to reduce the liquid. Just keep in mind that the jam will thicken more as it cools, so it doesn’t have to be as thick when hot.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can! Frozen strawberries work well, too. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the jam.

Q2: Can I use a different vinegar?
A2: Balsamic vinegar is the best match for this jam because of its unique, deep flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can try red wine vinegar. It’ll give you a tangy taste, though it won’t be as rich as balsamic.

Q3: How long does the jam last?
A3: If stored in sealed jars and refrigerated, this jam will last up to 2-3 weeks. If you use the canning method, it can last for several months.

Q4: Can I make this jam without sugar?
A4: Sugar helps with both the sweetness and the preservation of the jam. However, if you’re looking for a sugar-free version, you can try substituting with a sugar alternative, like stevia or monk fruit. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.

Q5: How can I make this jam thicker?
A5: If your jam is too runny, simply cook it for longer to reduce the liquid. You can also add a small amount of pectin if you prefer a more set consistency.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can double the recipe if you want to make more jam. Just make sure you have a larger pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q7: Can I use this jam for a savory dish?
A7: Absolutely! This jam pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken and pork, or you can use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables.

Q8: Can I add other fruits to this jam?
A8: You can certainly add other fruits to customize your jam. Try mixing in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry balsamic jam.

Q9: How can I use this jam in desserts?
A9: Use it as a topping for cheesecake, ice cream, or yogurt. It also works wonderfully as a filling for pastries and tarts.

Q10: Can I make this jam without the balsamic vinegar?
A10: The balsamic vinegar is what makes this jam unique, but if you prefer a simpler strawberry jam, you can leave it out. The result will be a more traditional strawberry jam, still delicious but without the tangy depth balsamic adds.

Conclusion

Strawberry Balsamic Jam is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. It’s versatile, easy to make, and adds a gourmet touch to whatever you pair it with. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or glazing meats, this jam is sure to impress. So grab your strawberries and balsamic vinegar, and let’s make something amazing!

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