Strawberry Jam Recipe: Strawberry jam is a widely enjoyed fruit preserve, commonly used for breakfast globally. While store-bought versions often contain high levels of sugar, this recipe offers a healthier alternative that’s easy to make at home.
Although I’m not particularly fond of strawberry jam or any sweet breakfast dishes, preferring warm and savory South Indian breakfasts like idli, dosa, poha, or upma, I decided to try raisin bread toast with strawberry jam upon a friend’s recommendation. Surprised by the high sugar content in store-bought jams, I opted to create my own, sharing the recipe in this post along with a video demonstration.
This recipe doesn’t involve any complicated steps, but I do offer some easy tips for achieving the perfect strawberry jam. First, soaking the strawberries in sugar for an hour softens them and reduces cooking time. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of sugar used, ranging from 1 cup to 3 cups for 750 grams of strawberries, depending on your desired level of sweetness. Finally, don’t skip adding lemon juice, as it helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
Ingredients: Strawberry Jam Recipe
- 750 grams strawberries, hulled & chopped
- 1 cup (250 grams) sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions: Strawberry Jam Recipe
- In a large kadai, combine the strawberries and 1 cup of sugar (or 3 cups if you’re not concerned about sugar intake).
- Over medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to prevent sugar crystallization, stirring well.
- Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Continue boiling for another 10 minutes or until the strawberries are soft.
- Mash the strawberries until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cook over medium flame until the mixture thickens and the foam disappears completely.
- To check the consistency, dip a cool metal spoon into the mixture; it should not easily drop off. If needed, continue cooking further.
- Transfer the jam into glass jars and allow to cool completely.
- Finally, spread the homemade low-sugar strawberry jam over bread or chapati and enjoy.
Conclusion:
Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe is a delicious and versatile spread that can elevate your breakfast or snack time. By following simple steps and adjusting ingredients to your taste, you can enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought jams while exploring creative flavor combinations. Whether enjoyed on toast, scones, or as a topping for desserts, homemade strawberry jam adds a delightful touch to any meal. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the sweet rewards of homemade jam!
FAQs about Strawberry Jam Recipe
How long does homemade strawberry jam last?
Homemade strawberry jam can typically last for about 1 to 2 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, if properly canned and sealed, it can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place.
Can I use frozen strawberries to make jam?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make jam. However, keep in mind that frozen strawberries may release more liquid during cooking, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe according to your taste preferences. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to compensate for the reduced sugar content.
Can I add other fruits to the strawberry jam?
Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits to your strawberry jam for different flavors. Popular additions include raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to make larger batches of strawberry jam. Just be sure to use a larger pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.