Apple Pumpkin Paprika and Ginger Jam

This delightful jam combines the sweetness of apples and pumpkins with the tangy hint of paprika and ginger, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors. Its bright color and rich taste make it a perfect addition to breakfast spreads, cheese boards, or even as a glaze for meats. The preparation involves a blend of fresh autumn fruits and spices, simmered to perfection to create a smooth and fragrant jam. The warmth from the ginger and sweetness from vanilla sugar add depth to the overall flavor. This recipe is perfect for preserving the flavors of fall and enjoying them throughout the year. The balance of sweetness and spice makes it a favorite across age groups. Whether served on toast, pancakes, or as a part of more elaborate culinary creations, this jam is sure to impress. It's a wonderful gift option, beautifully stored in jars with personalized labels. The recipe requires a few hours mainly for infusion and simmering, making it an easy yet rewarding endeavor. Dive into the joy of homemade preserves and experience the comforting taste of this delightful jam.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg apples
• 500 g pumpkin
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 kg sugar

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
• 5 allspice berries
• 7 cloves

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 180 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Begin by peeling and coring the apples. Chop them into fine pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will cook down.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and slice it into thin pieces. This helps in even cooking and blending later.

3. Prepare the Paprika: Deseed the red bell pepper and finely chop it. This adds a subtle tanginess and color to the jam.

4. Grate the Ginger: Use a fine grater to grate the fresh ginger. Fresh ginger gives a vibrant aroma and a slight kick to the jam.

5. Combine Ingredients: Place the apples, pumpkin, paprika, and ginger into a large pot. Sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and stir well to coat the pieces evenly.

6. Marinate: Cover the pot and place it in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours. This allows the fruit to release its juices and the flavors to meld.

7. Cooking: After marinating, bring the pot to a gentle heat on the stove. Allow the mixture to simmer slowly until all ingredients start to soften and break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Blending: Once the mixture is mostly disintegrated, use an immersion blender to smooth out the texture. For a finer consistency, you can pass the jam through a sieve.

9. Spice it Up: Add the cloves and allspice berries, along with the vanilla sugar. Continue to cook for another 7 minutes to let the spices infuse.

10. Bottling: Pour the jam into sterilized jars while hot. Seal them tightly to preserve freshness.

11. Final Touch: The jam doesn’t have a pronounced pumpkin taste but boasts a beautiful color and exquisite flavor. Enjoy a spoonful to taste the balance of sweetness and spice.

Tips

• Sterilizing Jars: Make sure to sterilize the jars properly before filling them to prevent spoilage.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger or cloves to suit your taste preferences.
• Storing Jars: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 50 kcal per tablespoon
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fats: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g

Variations

• No Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for a natural sweetness.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Fruit Variations: Try adding pears or quince for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Toast: Spread on toasted bread with peanut or almond butter.
• Cheese Pairing: Serve alongside a cheese platter with goat cheese or brie.
• Meat Glaze: Use as a glaze for roasted meat, enhancing the dish with its sweet-spicy flavor.

Best Places

• Chez L'Ami Jean - Renowned for its creative use of jams in traditional French cuisine. Location: 27 Rue Malar, Paris, France.
• Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Known for its farm-to-table approach, often featuring unique preserves. Location: 630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills, USA.
• The Ledbury - Celebrated for innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including homemade jams. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
• Narisawa - A fusion of Japanese and modern cuisine, incorporates seasonal jams. Location: 2-6-15 Minami Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan.
• La Grenouillère - Famous for its rustic culinary approach, integrating house-made preserves. Location: 19 Rue de la Grenouillère, La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, France.
• Attica - Known for creative Australian cuisine with unique flavors, including fruit jams. Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
• Central - Celebrated for using Peruvian ingredients in novel ways, such as fruit spreads. Location: Av Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Peru.
• Noma - Renowned for its Nordic cuisine, often featuring homemade fruit preserves. Location: Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Osteria Francescana - Famous for its traditional Italian dishes with innovative twists. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
• El Celler de Can Roca - Celebrated for its avant-garde culinary techniques, including unusual preserves. Location: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, Girona, Spain.