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Roasted Beet Jam

Roasted Beet Jam

Roasted Beet Jam is a unique and flavorful homemade spread combining the natural sweetness of roasted beets with bright citrus and warm spices. Perfect for enhancing toast, cheese boards, meats, and more, this jam offers a beautiful balance of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a vibrant color and nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh beets
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water

Optional Spices

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon
  • Pinch of chili flakes or ground cardamom (for spicy variation)
  • Orange or lime zest (for citrus twist)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine or balsamic vinegar (for richer flavor)
  • Honey or maple syrup (as natural sweetener alternatives to sugar)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (for herb-enhanced jam)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Roast the Beets: Wash and trim the fresh beets. Wrap them individually or together in foil and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Roasting intensifies their sweetness and softens their texture.
  2. Peel and Chop the Beets: Once the beets have cooled, gently rub off the skins using your hands or a paper towel. There is no need for knives. Dice the beets into small pieces or roughly mash them if you prefer a chunkier jam.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Add the chopped beets to a medium saucepan along with sugar, lemon juice, water, vanilla extract, and your chosen spices. Stir to combine evenly before heating.
  4. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking while the liquid reduces and the jam thickens.
  5. Blend and Adjust Consistency: Use an immersion blender or transfer the jar to a blender to pulse until your desired texture is achieved. For a thicker jam, simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a little more water and simmer again briefly.
  6. Jar and Cool: Pour the hot Roasted Beet Jam into sterilized jars leaving some headspace. Seal tightly and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or gifting.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm, and smooth-skinned beets for the best flavor and color.
  • Roasting is essential to unlock the natural sugars and soften the beets better than boiling or steaming.
  • Taste the jam as it cooks and adjust sugar or lemon juice to balance sweetness and acidity.
  • Ensure jars are properly sterilized to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Label jars with date and flavor notes if storing for long-term use or gifting.

Nutrition

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