Description
Rustic Roasted Beet Jam brings earthy sweetness and vibrant color to your culinary repertoire, offering a delightful spread that elevates simple breads and cheese plates. Mediterranean flavors and rich crimson hues make this homemade preserve a perfect addition to your kitchen’s seasonal collection.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 3 medium beets (about 1 1/2 cups, roasted and pureed)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Encase whole beets completely in aluminum foil, creating sealed packets to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Roast beets for 45-60 minutes until a fork glides effortlessly through their center, indicating tender perfection. Allow beets to cool completely.
- Carefully remove foil and slip off beet skins. Process roasted beets in a food processor until achieving a silky, uniform puree.
- Transfer beet puree to a medium saucepan. Add sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place pan over medium heat, stirring consistently to dissolve sugar and integrate ingredients smoothly. Bring mixture to a gentle, rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, maintaining a soft simmer. Stir frequently to prevent scorching, cooking for 20-30 minutes until jam reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
- During final 5 minutes, incorporate balsamic vinegar and vanilla for enhanced depth. Test readiness by checking if jam coats the back of a spoon without immediately dripping.
- While still warm, carefully ladle jam into sterilized glass containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath for extended preservation.
Notes
- Roast beets at high temperature to caramelize natural sugars, intensifying their sweet, earthy flavor and creating deeper color complexity.
- Adjust sugar levels based on beet sweetness; taste puree before adding sugar to ensure balanced jam without overwhelming sweetness.
- Add balsamic vinegar cautiously, using small amounts to enhance depth without overpowering the delicate beet essence.
- Consider alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences, maintaining consistent jam texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg