Pepper Jam

Name: Pepper Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 33
Ingredients: Red peppers 2.2 lbs; Sugar 1 cup; Garlic 2 cloves; Dried chili pepper 2; Fine salt 1 tsp

it de fr es br

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Vegetarian
Vegan

Energy Kcal 99
Carbohydrates g 22.8
of which sugars g 22.7
Protein g 1.3
Fats g 0.3
of which saturated fat g 0.06
Fiber g 0.9
Sodium mg 200

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Serving: 33
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Pepper jam, oh man, it is really something special from Southern Italy. We're talking about a sweet yet tangy twist that turns the idea of traditional preserves upside down. Down south, this homemade pepper jam is made from ripe summer peppers, really showing off their natural flavors. Unlike typical fruit jams, it has this soft, almost velvety texture with a kick—if you go for spicy red chilis, you're in for a spicy pepper jam treat. And in places like Calabria or Puglia, families stash jars of pepper jam in their pantries. And it’s a taste of summer for those winter gatherings. Seriously good.

But it's not just for toast. It's great with slices of salty, creamy cheeses or with rich cured meats. This mix of sweet and savory flavors really kicks up your appetizer spread. So... Yeah, summer's pepper harvest? It inspires all sorts of creative recipes in the south, and homemade pepper jam is the one that stands out. Folks take pride in using local stuff, like those famous Tropea onions. Add those for a twist, or maybe try it with sweet and sour peppers.

And here's the thing: Unlike your basic fruit jams, this one's got a bright color and sticky feel, totally packed with personality. Throw in some chili for an extra zing, and bam, you’ve got a spicy pepper jam or a jalapeño version for more heat. Friends and family cannot wait when you serve a board with cold cuts, cheeses, and a jar of this glossy jam. Adds that special touch. Some even use it to jazz up sandwiches or roasted meats. Really, pepper jam fits perfectly into the region’s tradition—making the most of summer’s bounty. And look, it’s about mixing flavors in exciting ways at the table. Sharing a bite of this jam? It's like keeping that sunny, Southern Italian vibe alive all year. For sure.

How to prepare Pepper Jam

To prepare pepper jam, first wash the peppers, then cut off the top with the stem 1 and remove the seeds inside 2. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise 3,

remove the internal filaments 4 and cut them in half again 5, then chop them into medium-sized pieces 6. Proceed in this way with the other peppers and set them aside.

Peel the garlic cloves and slice them very thinly 7. In a large pot, add the peppers 8, the garlic 9,

the chili pepper pieces, the sugar 11, and the salt 12.

Mix everything 13 and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally if needed. Use a kitchen thermometer and let it cook until you reach a temperature of 226°F. At this point, turn off the heat 15

and transfer the jam into a food mill placed over a bowl. Turn the handle 16 until the peppers are reduced to a puree 17. If the jam is still hot, you can proceed; otherwise, you will need to heat it again in the microwave or pan. Then pour the boiling jam into one or more sterilized glass jars 18.

Close tightly by screwing on the lid (19-20) and let cool completely for at least one night. Before consuming, ensure that a vacuum seal has been formed by checking that the lid does not click when pressed in the center. For these and other instructions, we always refer to the Ministry of Health's information on homemade preserves.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place and consume within a month. If opened, keep it in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

Tip

Add fragrance to your jam by adding basil and use yellow peppers for a touch of color.
If you don't like garlic, replace it with Tropea red onion!

IMPORTANT

The homemade preparation of preserves and jams can pose health risks. In a domestic environment, it is not possible to create the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety and suitability of the food, which, on the contrary, industrial processes can ensure to prevent dangerous contamination. It is therefore important to strictly follow food safety guidelines to reduce risks, but it should always be kept in mind that the same level of food safety as that of professionally produced preserves and jams cannot be achieved. For proper preparation of homemade preserves, we refer to the guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Pepper Jam

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Pepper Jam

Storage

Tip

IMPORTANT

RELATED RECIPES