Tomato Jelly: A Perfect Addition To Your Dining Table
Cesar Chien
Tomato Jam Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com
Introduction
If you're looking for a unique and delicious addition to your dining table, tomato jelly is the perfect choice. This sweet and tangy jelly is made from fresh tomatoes and is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a spread on toast or crackers, mix it into salad dressings or sauces, or even use it as a topping for ice cream. In this article, we'll share a recipe for making tomato jelly at home and provide some tips for using it in your cooking.
Ingredients
To make tomato jelly, you'll need the following ingredients: - 4 pounds of ripe tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup of sugar - 1/4 cup of lemon juice - 1 package of powdered pectin - 1 teaspoon of salt Make sure you use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use any variety of tomato, but we recommend using Roma or San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness and low water content.
Instructions
Here's how to make tomato jelly: 1. Prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until you're ready to fill them. 2. In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. 3. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture has thickened. 4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the powdered pectin. Stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes to ensure the pectin is fully dissolved. 5. Ladle the hot tomato mixture into the prepared canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. 6. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then place the lids and bands on the jars. 7. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude as necessary). Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop for 12-24 hours. 8. Check the seals on the jars to ensure they are properly sealed. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use within a week.
Nutrition
Tomato jelly is a relatively low calorie and low fat food, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Here's the nutritional information for one tablespoon of tomato jelly: - Calories: 20 - Fat: 0 g - Carbohydrates: 5 g - Fiber: 0 g - Protein: 0 g - Sodium: 10 mg
Uses for Tomato Jelly
Now that you've made your own tomato jelly, it's time to start using it in your cooking! Here are some ideas for incorporating tomato jelly into your meals: - Spread it on toast or crackers for a sweet and savory snack. - Use it as a glaze for roasted meats, such as pork or chicken. - Mix it into homemade salad dressings or sauces for an extra burst of flavor. - Use it as a topping for grilled cheese sandwiches or burgers. - Add a spoonful to a bowl of chili or tomato soup for a sweet and tangy twist. - Use it as a dip for chicken nuggets or fries. - Spread it on a pizza crust instead of traditional tomato sauce.
Conclusion
Tomato jelly is a unique and delicious addition to any dining table. With its sweet and tangy flavor, it's incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. By following this recipe and using our tips for incorporating tomato jelly into your cooking, you'll be able to enjoy this tasty condiment in no time.