Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam is a quick and flavorful condiment that adds a spicy-sweet kick to any meal. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for jazzing up sandwiches, cheeses, or grilled meats.

Ingredients
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 finely chopped red chilli
- 1 grated thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 star anise
- 250g caster sugar
- 150ml red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red chilli, grated ginger, star anise, caster sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a pan.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam is thick and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool completely.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooled jam to a sterilised jar and seal.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder jam, remove the chilli seeds before chopping to reduce heat.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Try substituting red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
Storage
Store the jam in a sterilised airtight jar in the refrigerator. Once opened, use within two weeks. Unopened, it can keep for up to six months. Reheat gently before serving if a warm jam is preferred.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used, but you may need to cook the jam a little longer to achieve the thick consistency.
Is this jam suitable for freezing?
It’s best stored in the refrigerator and used within two weeks once opened. Freezing may affect the texture and flavor.
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Cheat’s Tomato Chilli Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 jar (about 400g) 1x
Description
A quick and easy recipe for a flavorful tomato chilli jam that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Perfect as a condiment to add a zing to sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 finely chopped red chilli
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1 star anise
- 250g caster sugar
- 150ml red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place the 400g can of chopped tomatoes, finely chopped red chilli, grated ginger, star anise, caster sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt into a pan.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Cool and store: Remove the pan from the heat and allow the jam to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the jam into a sterilised jar.
- Preserve: Store the jam in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to two weeks. If unopened and properly sterilised, it can be kept for up to six months.
Notes
- Use a sterilised jar to ensure longer shelf life.
- Adjust the amount of chilli based on your preferred heat level.
- This jam pairs well with cheese, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
- Once opened, consume within two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: tomato chilli jam, chutney, easy jam recipe, quick chutney, spicy jam

