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Need a quick, easy appetizer? This Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam is a wonderful gourmet condiment to have stashed in the fridge.ย It'sย fabulous with goat cheese, over cream cheese, on charcuterie and cheese boards and SO much more... as a sandwich spread (try it on grilled cheese!), on scones, biscuits, bagels, burgers,ย as a grilling glaze... the possibilities are endless!
If you've got a glut of tomatoes, this Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam is a unique and super delicious way to preserve them. If you don't have a glut of tomatoes, you seriously want to beg, borrow or steal purchase a big bagful and stir up a batch of this amazing and super versatile condiment.
If you think that "tomato jam" sounds a little strange, I understand, I thought the same thing. But when I ย found myself with a bounty of tomatoes and started doing a little research on what to do with my plethora, I discovered this unique and (unknown to me) super beloved condiment.
A Mark Bittman recipe from the New York Times Cookingย section with over a thousand 5 star reviews got me intrigued. I went from there to create my own rendition, but wanting a tomato jam that could be safely canned or stored in the refrigerator/freezer, I adapted a recipe from Food in Jars, a popular website that specializes in home canning.
How to make this Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam
This recipe starts out with a LOT of tomatoes, 5 pounds to be exact. I have used cherry tomatoes and plum tomatoes but any nice ripe tomatoes will do. The tomatoes need to be chopped into small pieces. This can be done by hand or with a few pulses in a food processor. Once the chopping's done, simply combine the tomatoes and all the other ingredients in a large pot and let your stovetop do the rest.
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat a bit and let the magic begin! It will take anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes, but your work is to simply give the jam-in-the-making a good stir from time to time. You'll see the watery tomato mixture begin to reduce and reduce more and then get deeper in color and "jammy".
When the jam is finished, it can either be ladled into jars and stored in the refrigerator (or freezer for longer storage) OR it can be put in a hot water bath to make it shelf stable.
What to do with this jam?
Oh my, the possibilities are endless! It's fabulous paired with cheese and/or charcuterie as pictured below. It also makes a wonderful sandwich spread (so good on grilled cheese) or a topping for burgers (think a fabulously gourmet ketchup). We love it spooned over cream cheese or served with crisp crostini and goat cheese.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Use it as a grilling glaze.
- Spoon it over grilled or pan-seared salmon.
- Top biscuits, scones, and bagels with a spread of creamy cheese and a spoonful of this jam.
- Garnish a crab cake.
- Use it as a base for pizza.
- Spoon it on top of warm, melty Brie.
- Add a dollop to creamy soups for a pretty and delicious garnish.
- Give it as a gift!
Yes, give it as a gift!
This Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, hostesses, new neighbors, teachers... anyone! I love to give gifts with a pretty presentation and identification so I created a set of labels to use for this jam. There's a rectangular label that works great on the side of a smooth or angled jar and a round label that can go either on the top lid or on the side of a smooth jar.
We're happy to share these free printable labels. If you'd like to receive them, simply leave a comment in the comment section below the recipe and we'll send them to you via email along with instructions on how to use them. We'll include labels for jam that is canned and therefore shelf stable and labels for jam that has not been put through a hot water bath and should be refrigerated when not in use.
Let's get jamming!
Don't let the tomato season slip by without making a batch or two of thisย Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam. You'll be super happy with yourself when the cold winds blow and you have a stash of this delicious condiment stashed away for adding a touch of gourmet pizzazz to your everyday cooking, entertaining and gifting. Bon Appetit!
Cafรฉ Tips for making this Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam
- Use good quality tomatoes. I like using Roman (plum), cherry or grape tomatoes but any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work. I would not suggest using hothouse out-of-season tomatoes as they have very little flavor.
- For a beautiful, deep red jam, stick with red tomatoes.
- Most grocery stores have a scale in the produce department so you can weigh your produce if desired. This is helpful in knowing how many tomatoes you'll need for 5 pounds.
- A pint of cherry tomatoes in the little plastic cartons is right around 12 ounces so you would need 6ยฝ-7 cartons.
- Simmer the jam fairly low and slow until deep red and jammy. The timing given is a suggestion but every stove is different so it may take less or more time for your jam to get to the right consistency.
- This recipe calls for finely grated fresh ginger or ginger paste. Ginger paste is a wonderful condiment to keep stashed in your refrigerator or freezer. It's simply fresh ginger that's been finely grated. It comes in a tube and can be found in the produce section of many larger grocery stores including Super Walmart and Super Target. I keep a tube of Gourmet Garden Ginger Pasteย (this is not a sponsored post, I just really like it) in the freezer. When I want to use it, I let it thaw for 5-10 minutes, squeeze out what I need then pop it back in the freezer.
- It's fine to add more or less of the spices but, if canning this jam with a hot water bath, don't adjust the sugar or lime juice as that could affect the acidity level which is important in safe canning.
- I have lots of freezer space so I keep my jam in the refrigerator or freezer. If you decide to can this jam to make it shelf stable, I suggest using these guidelines from The University of Georgia Extension.
- This Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam is mildly spicy. If you prefer a spicier condiment, I suggest tasting it after it's been simmered down and adding more crushed red pepper and/or black pepper, to taste.
Thought for the day:
But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me;
I have made the Lordย God my refuge,
So that I may tell of all Your works.
Psalm 73:28
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! Itโs so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
This delicious Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam makes a fabulous pairing for cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwich spread... and so much more!
- 5 pounds of red tomatoes I like to use cherry, grape or plum tomatoes. Other juicy, ripe tomatoes will also work
- 3 ยฝ cups sugar
- ยฝ cup fresh or bottled lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- ยฝ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon
- ยฝ teaspoon cumin
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ยผ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Wash and chop the tomatoes into ยผ-inch pieces. You can chop them by hand or put them in a food processor (in batches) and pulse 4-5 times until chopped but still chunky. Donโt let them go until smooth. (There is no need to peel the tomatoes.)
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Combine all ingredients in a large, non-reactive soup or stock pot. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a medium steady simmer. Allow the jam to cook, stirring occasionally, for 75 to 90 minutes (the time will depend on how high your heat is, it could be a bit longer) until deep red and jammy. The jam will thicken a bit as it cools.
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If making jam that will be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, remove from the heat and ladle into jars, leaving ยฝ inch of head space at the top. Wipe rims, apply lids and twist on rings. Allow the jam to cool completely then store in the refrigerator (for up to a month) or in the freezer (for up to a year).
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If using a hot water bath to can this jam, remove from the heat when finished and ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ยผ-inch of head space at the top. Wipe rims, apply lids and twist on rings. Process in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes then remove jars from the water bath and allow them to cool. When jars are cool enough to handle, test seals. Store jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. For more detailed information on canning with a hot water bath, see this article from The University of Georgia Extension.
See Cafรฉ Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word โInstructionsโ. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesnโt have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.
I got 6 6-ounce jars when making this jam however, the finished yield can vary, depending on the type of tomato you use and the thickness to which you cook it.
The serving size is one teaspoon.
Recipe adapted from Food in Jars.
Bev K says
I checked the University extension link in the recipe. It says Note: The 5-minute processing time is for altitudes of 0-1000 feet. Add 1 minute of processing time for every 1000 feet of additional altitude.)
Why does your recipe say process 20 minutes?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Bev, I adapted this recipe from Food in Jars, which is a highly regarded site in the area of canning expertise. She recommended 20 so that's what I went with. https://foodinjars.com/recipe/tomato-jam/
Avis Hannon says
I would love the labels please. Going to make this for the family as they all love cheese and using different condiments.
Iโm sure this will be very popular. Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Avis!
Janine says
Will be making this smoky tomatoe jam .... Can you please send labels!?
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Of course, Janine!
Kaaren says
Do you remove seeds before processing. Also if not peeling, do peels cook down
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Karen, I do not remove the seeds and yes, it all cooks down.
Susan Campbell says
Making this today...labels please? Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Susan!
Vicki says
I iwould love the labels. About how many half pint jars would this make?
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Vicki! I got 6 6-ounce jars when making this jam however, the finished yield can vary, depending on the type of tomato you use and the thickness to which you cook it.
Natalie says
Love your recipes and blog. An abundance of tomatoes got me here... labels, please.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Natalie! Sending them your way.
Diane Keown says
We love your delicious recipes. Please email your labels. Thank you. God Bless
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Diane!
Lisa Starr says
Every one of your recipes is a guaranteed winner. I look forward to trying this one. Labels please. Sounds like a fabulous gift.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Lisa! We will send the labels.
Susan Marie Huber says
Please send the labels for the tomato jam. I plan on making it next week. Your recipes are always wonderful!
Thank you
Susan
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Susan! We will send the labels your way.
Kathleen R. says
This recipe sounds right up my alley since I like unique. I plan on making it around Christmas to give to neighbors. Thank you so much
for all your wonderful recipes you have made available to us home chefs. Yes, I would like to have the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
So glad you are enjoying the site, Kathleen! We will send the labels.
Victoria says
Was just thinking about trying a Tomato Jam recipe & then yours pops into my email! Awesome! I would love to receive the labels as well! Thanks in advance!!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Victoria!
Chuck says
Love the recipe! This jam is unexpectedly delicious. Second batch we smoked the tomatoes before reducing to jam, and used less sugar for complementing chicken and pork. Please send labels. Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for letting us know, Chuck! We will send the labels.
Martha S Schulwitz says
Looking forward to making this recipe, looks delicious! Our tomatoes are gone for the season but the farmers market still has some.
Thanks again for all the wonderful recipes. I would love to have both labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Martha! Enjoy!
Kim Spano says
Would love to receive the labels for the Sweet and Smoky Tomato Jam as well as the Blueberry Jam. I'm just discovering your website, after a Pinterest search, and am looking forward to trying some of your "casually elegant deliciousness" recipes! So many tea time cake recipes! Love your thoughts for the day and the inspirational songs you post! I've already signed up for your blog and recipes via email. So glad I stumbled upon The Cafรฉ Sucre Farine!!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad you found us, Kim! We will send the labels your way!
Candice says
I would love to have the labels please. I am so glad you mentioned ginger paste. That would be great to always have on hand. Thanks for all the smart tips you share with readers. I have heard of tomato jam before but have never made it. It sounds delicious.
Chris Scheuer says
We are happy to send the labels, Candace!
Jan Philips says
This sounds so good and I've just purchased all of the tomatoes and can't wait to make it. Thank you for the recipe. If possible, I would love to have the labels too.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Jan!
Donna Jo says
I just finished making the tomato jam, and all I can say is - yum!
Mine took about 1 hour & 45 min. , but as Chris said - every stove is different. Iโll be putting this on everything! Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thanks for letting us know, Donna Jo!
Mary F says
Hi, I'm in the simmer down process of the tomatoes. can't wait...smells and taste delicious! This is my first year to have garden. I planted sungolds and sweet 100 tomatoes, along with peppers and onions and of course squash.
Could you please send me your cute labels. Thank you for sharing recipe and labels.
Chris Scheuer says
That's awesome, Mary! Sending them your way ๐
Marcia says
Please send the labels for the tomato jam. This may be my general gift at Christmas for 2022! By the way, I love that you end with Scripture and praise music. I use almost all of your recipes. When we summered away from home this year I just logged on to your blog for recipes! Thank you, Marcia
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for the kind comment, Marcia! We are happy to send the labels ๐
Rinda Carey says
Yes, we will be Jamminโ at our hose this weekend too๐!
Thank you in advance for the beautiful labels !
Rinda
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Rinda! Enjoy!
Chuck Juengling says
yes, I would like to receive the labels. will be making this time tomorrow.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Chuck!
Kathryn Heatherly says
Chris,
I'd love the labels!
Kathy
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Kathy!
Donna Jo says
Iโm going to make tomato jam this weekend, and would love to have both of the labels.
In the words of Bob Marley - โweโre jamminโ.๐
Chris Scheuer says
I love it! Sending them your way, Donna Jo.
Kathleen says
Please send me the labels for the tomato jam.
Thanks a bunch for all of your great recipes.
KATHLEEN
Chris Scheuer says
So glad you're enjoying them, Kathleen! We will send the labels.