Apple Jam
A delightful homemade apple jam with a warm, spiced twist. Sweet and tart apples are slow-cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of cardamom until thick and luscious. Perfect for spreading on toast, parathas, or as a dessert topping.
For 16 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Apples (15 minutes)
- b.Wash the apples thoroughly under running water.
- c.Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, uniform 1/2-inch pieces. For a smoother jam, you can grate them instead.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Soften the Apples (10-12 minutes)
- b.Place the chopped or grated apples and 120 ml (1/2 cup) of water into a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Sugar and Spices (2-3 minutes)
- b.Once the apples are soft, add the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and green cardamom powder to the pan.
- c.Stir continuously over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Jam (20-25 minutes)
- b.Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- c.Continue to cook, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, for about 20-25 minutes.
- d.The jam will gradually thicken, and you'll notice the bubbles becoming larger and slower. Scrape the sides of the pan as you stir.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Test for Doneness (2-3 minutes)
- b.To check if the jam has set, perform a plate test. Place a small plate in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- c.Spoon a small amount of the hot jam onto the cold plate. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
- d.Gently push the edge of the jam with your fingertip. If it wrinkles and feels set, the jam is ready. If it's still runny, cook for another 3-5 minutes and test again.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Store the Jam (10 minutes + cooling time)
- b.Once the jam is ready, turn off the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
- c.Let the jam cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to thicken slightly before jarring.
- d.Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
- e.Seal the jars tightly while hot. Let them cool completely at room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the cooked apples before adding sugar.
- 2Use a heavy-bottomed, wide pan. This helps the jam cook evenly and reduces the risk of burning.
- 3Sterilizing your jars is crucial for a long shelf life. Boil the jars and lids in water for 10 minutes and let them air dry completely.
- 4Remember that the jam will thicken considerably as it cools. Don't overcook it.
- 5Using a mix of sweet (like Royal Gala) and tart (like Granny Smith) apples provides the best flavor complexity.
- 6Do not significantly reduce the sugar, as it acts as a natural preservative and is essential for the jam to set properly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Apple Jam
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder or a pinch of saffron strands along with the other spices for a warm, spicy kick.
Apple Ginger JamApple Ginger Jam
Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger along with the apples in step 2 for a zesty flavor.
Apple & Pear JamApple & Pear Jam
Replace half of the apples with an equal weight of peeled and chopped pears for a different fruit profile.
Chunky Apple JamChunky Apple Jam
For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher to gently break down the softened apples instead of aiming for a smooth consistency.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, including pectin, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help in managing cholesterol levels.
Source of Antioxidants
Apples and spices like cinnamon and cardamom are rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds help protect your body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Natural Energy Boost
The natural sugars from the apples and the added sugar provide a quick source of energy, making this jam a great addition to your breakfast toast or paratha to start the day.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of 2 tablespoons of this homemade apple jam contains approximately 80-90 calories, primarily from the sugar and the natural sugars in the apples.