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.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: roasted beet jam, beet jam, homemade jam, vegan jam, gluten free jam, unique jam recipe, roasted vegetable jam