Hatch chiles bring a unique smoky heat that’s hard to beat, and turning them into a jam is a game-changer for your kitchen. This Hatch Chile Jam Recipe captures the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, glazing meats, or adding a kick to your cheese platter, this jam elevates flavors in a way that’s both bold and approachable.
We love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh Hatch chiles, you can whip up a batch that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and bring a taste of New Mexico’s famous peppers to your table.
Ingredients
To create our boldly flavorful Hatch Chile Jam, we gather a selection of fresh and pantry staples. These ingredients work together to highlight the smoky heat of the chiles while balancing sweetness and spice.
Fresh Hatch Chiles
The star of our recipe, Fresh Hatch Chiles, bring authentic New Mexican flavor and a unique smoky heat to the jam. We recommend using:
- 1 pound fresh Hatch chiles, roasted, peeled, and seeded
- Optional: leave some seeds in if you prefer more heat
Selecting fresh, vibrant Hatch chiles ensures a rich, robust base for our jam’s distinctive taste.
Sweeteners and Spices
Balancing the chile’s heat with perfectly measured sweetness and warming spices is key. Here’s what we use:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | Adds sweetness to balance heat | 1 1/2 cups |
| Honey | Enhances depth and natural sweetness | 1/4 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | Adds warm spice complexity | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground Cumin | Offers earthy undertones | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | Boosts heat (optional) | 1/8 teaspoon |
These sweeteners and spices create a harmonious blend that complements the chile’s vibrant flavor profile.
Other Essential Ingredients
To ensure our Hatch Chile Jam achieves the perfect consistency and flavor, we add:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – adds bright acidity to balance sweetness
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – boosts freshness and depth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin – helps jam set with ideal gel texture
Combining these elements ensures our jam has the right balance of heat, sweetness, and a perfect spreadable consistency.
Equipment Needed
To craft the perfect Hatch Chile Jam, having the right equipment ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process. Here is what we recommend:
- Large Roasting Pan or Grill
For roasting the Hatch chiles evenly, a large roasting pan or outdoor grill works best to develop that signature smoky flavor.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
Precise chopping is essential when preparing roasted chiles. A sharp knife and clean cutting board help us peel, seed, and dice without hassle.
- Mixing Bowls
Several medium-sized bowls are necessary to hold peeled chiles, mix sugar and spices, and combine wet ingredients.
- Saucepan or Dutch Oven (Medium to Large)
We use a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven to simmer the jam mixture. This helps prevent burning while thickening the jam to the right consistency.
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Silicone Spatula
Stirring constantly with a sturdy spoon or spatula prevents sticking and ensures flavors meld together perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements of sugar, honey, spices, and vinegar are key to balancing spicy and sweet notes in the jam.
- Food Processor or Blender (Optional)
To achieve a smoother texture, we may pulse the jam slightly after cooking, but this is optional based on personal preference.
- Sterilized Glass Jars with Lids
For storing and gifting, clean canning jars preserve freshness and showcase the vibrant red-green hue of the jam beautifully.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Roasting Pan or Grill | Roasting Hatch chiles for smoky flavor |
| Sharp Knife & Cutting Board | Peeling, seeding, and chopping chiles |
| Mixing Bowls | Preparing ingredients |
| Saucepan or Dutch Oven | Cooking and simmering the jam |
| Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula | Stirring mixture during cooking |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Precise ingredient measurements |
| Food Processor or Blender (Optional) | Optional smoothing of jam texture |
| Sterilized Glass Jars with Lids | Storing and presenting finished jam |
By assembling our equipment ahead of time, we streamline the recipe workflow and bring out the fullest flavor in our Hatch Chile Jam. Let’s move confidently to the next steps with these essentials ready.
Prep Work
Before we begin making our Hatch Chile Jam, proper preparation is essential to unlock the jam’s rich smoky flavor and ideal consistency. This section covers roasting and peeling the chiles along with prepping the remaining ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
Roasting and Peeling Hatch Chiles
Roasting the Hatch chiles brings out their signature smoky taste that defines this jam. Here’s how we prepare them:
- Preheat your grill, roasting pan, or broiler to medium-high heat.
- Place 1 pound of fresh Hatch chiles directly on the grill or roasting pan.
- Roast chiles, turning occasionally with tongs, until their skins are evenly charred and blistered. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the hot chiles to a large bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. This steams the chiles, making peeling easier while loosening skins.
- After about 15 minutes, peel the softened, blistered skin from each chile using your fingers or a paring knife. We recommend wearing gloves if you want to avoid lingering heat on your skin.
- Carefully remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. For more heat, feel free to leave some seeds intact. Chop the peeled chiles into small pieces to prepare for simmering.
| Step | Detail | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Roast chiles | Medium-high heat, turn frequently | 10-15 mins |
| Steam chiles | Covered in bowl | 15 mins |
| Peel and chop chiles | Remove skins, stems, and seeds | 10 mins |
Preparing Other Ingredients
While the chiles roast and steam, we can prepare the other ingredients needed for our jam. Having everything measured and ready guarantees a streamlined cooking experience without interruptions.
- Measure out 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons honey. These balance the heat with natural sweetness.
- Combine 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. These acids brighten the jam’s flavor.
- Gather spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to deepen the flavor profile.
- Prepare 1 package of fruit pectin (usually 1.75-2 tablespoons) to help the jam set properly.
- Keep mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula handy for when we combine everything.
By organizing our ingredients this way we ensure every flavor layer blends perfectly during cooking to create a standout Hatch Chile Jam.
Making the Hatch Chile Jam
Now that our Hatch chiles are perfectly roasted and peeled, we dive into the heart of the process: Making the Hatch Chile Jam. This step-by-step guide ensures every ingredient harmonizes into a rich, smoky, and sweet preserve.
Cooking the Ingredients
We start by combining our prepared ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan to build layers of flavor.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted, peeled, and seeded Hatch chiles (about 1 pound). If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds in.
- Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup honey, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for a balanced sweetness and tang.
- Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. These spices infuse the jam with warm, earthy undertones that complement the smoky chiles.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- For a smooth blend, we can use a food processor or immersion blender to gently pulse the mixture before cooking, but this is optional depending on your preferred jam texture.
Tip: Measure all ingredients beforehand for a seamless cooking flow.
Simmering and Thickening
Next, we focus on achieving the perfect jam consistency.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add 3 tablespoons fruit pectin gradually while stirring vigorously. The pectin is crucial for thickening and giving our jam a spreadable texture.
- Simmer the jam uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
- To test the jam’s readiness, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s done.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring to sterilized glass jars for storage.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Hatch chiles | 1 pound | Base smoky flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
| Honey | ½ cup | Natural sweetness, depth |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | Acid balance |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Warm spice flavor |
| Ground cumin | ½ teaspoon | Earthy undertone |
| Salt | Pinch | Flavor enhancer |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tablespoons | Brightens and balances jam |
| Fruit pectin | 3 tablespoons | Thickening agent |
By carefully controlling heat and stirring, we unlock the full potential of the Hatch Chile Jam’s bold smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, ensuring a perfectly textured and delicious result.
Canning and Storing
To preserve the rich, smoky essence of our Hatch Chile Jam, proper canning and storing methods are essential. Following these steps guarantees the jam stays fresh, flavorful, and safe for extended enjoyment.
Sterilizing Jars
Before filling, we must thoroughly sterilize the glass jars to prevent contamination and spoilage. Here’s how we do it:
- Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse well.
- Place jars upright on a rack in a boiling water canner or large pot with water covering them by at least 1 inch.
- Boil jars for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed—add 1 minute per 1,000 feet above 1,000 feet elevation).
- Keep jars hot in the water until ready to fill.
- Simmer lids in hot, not boiling, water for 5 minutes to soften sealing compound.
- Remove jars and lids using jar lifters and place them on a clean towel to air dry.
“Sterilizing jars is non-negotiable—we want every bite of our jam to be safe and pure.”
| Step | Action | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash | Hot, soapy water | – | Rinse thoroughly |
| Boil jars | In water covering jars by 1 inch | 10 minutes | Add 1 min per 1000 ft elevation |
| Keep jars hot | In hot water | Until filling | Prevents jar breakage |
| Simmer lids | In hot water (not boiling) | 5 minutes | Softens sealing compound |
Filling and Sealing Jars
Once our jars are sterilized and our Hatch Chile Jam is perfectly cooked, we move on to filling and sealing. Precision here locks in flavor and extends shelf life.
- Using a ladle and a wide-mouth funnel, fill each jar with hot jam, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace at the top.
- Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula or chopstick along the jar sides.
- Wipe jar rims clean with a damp, lint-free cloth to ensure proper sealing.
- Center sterilized lids on jars. Screw on bands until fingertip tight—avoid overtightening.
- Process filled jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude using the same method as sterilizing).
- Remove jars carefully with jar lifters and place them on a towel undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
- Check seals by pressing the center of each lid—it should not flex or pop. Refrigerate any jars that don’t seal properly and consume soon.
| Step | Action | Duration/Space | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill jars | Ladle jam with 1/4-inch headspace | 1/4 inch headspace | Use funnel to avoid spills |
| Remove air bubbles | Non-metal spatula/chopstick | – | Ensures tight seal |
| Clean rims | Damp lint-free cloth | – | Prevents seal failure |
| Seal jars | Screw bands fingertip tight | – | Do not overtighten |
| Process jars | Boiling water bath canning | 10 minutes | Adjust for altitude |
| Cool jars | Leave undisturbed on towel | 12–24 hours | Check for proper seals before storage |
Our careful attention to canning and storing not only preserves the bold, smoky, and sweet notes of the Hatch chiles but also keeps our homemade jam vibrant and safe to enjoy for months.
Serving Suggestions
Our Hatch Chile Jam delivers a unique blend of smoky heat and subtle sweetness that elevates numerous dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to savor this versatile jam:
1. Spread & Dip Delight
Spread a generous layer of Hatch Chile Jam on toast, crackers, or warm biscuits. The smoky spice pairs beautifully with buttery textures and mild cheeses, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
2. Cheese Board Enhancement
Add a spoonful of jam alongside cheeses such as sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese. The smoky, sweet heat of the jam enhances cheese flights, balancing flavors and adding a bold Southwestern twist.
3. Glaze for Proteins
Use the jam as a glaze to coat grilled or roasted meats. It works exceptionally well on:
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Pork chops
- Salmon or white fish
- Shrimp skewers
Brush the jam on during the final minutes of grilling to caramelize sugars for an irresistibly flavorful crust.
4. Sandwich Boost
Layer Hatch Chile Jam in sandwiches or burgers for an exciting flavor elevation. It complements:
- Turkey and avocado
- Roasted vegetables and goat cheese
- Pulled pork or smoked brisket
The jam adds moisture and a smoky-sweet kick that transforms everyday sandwiches.
5. Salad Dressing Add-In
Combine a spoonful of the jam with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt to create a unique vinaigrette. Toss it with hearty greens, grilled vegetables, or roasted beets for a vibrant salad.
6. Breakfast Topping
Drizzle over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, or swirl into oatmeal. The spicy-sweet complexity adds depth to morning meals without overpowering delicate flavors.
Serving Suggestions Table
| Serving Style | Ideal Pairings | Tips for Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spread & Dip | Toast, crackers, biscuits | Serve with mild, creamy cheeses |
| Cheese Board | Cheddar, brie, goat cheese | Add fresh fruit like figs or grapes |
| Protein Glaze | Chicken, pork, salmon, shrimp | Apply in last minutes of cooking |
| Sandwich Layers | Turkey, avocado, pulled pork | Use as a condiment or spread thinly |
| Salad Dressing | Mixed greens, roasted vegetables | Whisk with vinegar and olive oil |
| Breakfast Topper | Greek yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese | Drizzle lightly for balanced flavor |
By experimenting with these ideas, we can unlock the full potential of our Hatch Chile Jam, adding delicious boldness and warmth to a variety of meals.
Conclusion
Making Hatch Chile Jam is a rewarding way to bring bold smoky heat and a touch of sweetness into your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful preparation, we can create a versatile jam that elevates everything from breakfast to dinner.
Whether we’re glazing meats or spreading it on toast, this jam adds a unique flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s also a fantastic gift that shares the vibrant taste of Hatch chiles with friends and family.
Let’s keep experimenting with this recipe and discover even more delicious ways to enjoy the rich, smoky goodness of Hatch Chile Jam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hatch chiles, and why are they used in this jam?
Hatch chiles are a special variety of green chile grown in New Mexico. They are prized for their smoky, earthy flavor and mild to moderate heat, making them perfect for balancing spice and sweetness in the jam.
What ingredients do I need to make Hatch Chile Jam?
You need fresh roasted Hatch chiles, granulated sugar, honey, ground cinnamon, cumin, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, salt, and fruit pectin for texture and preservation.
How do I prepare Hatch chiles for the jam?
Roast the chiles until charred, then steam them to loosen skins. Peel off the skins, remove seeds if desired, and chop before combining with other ingredients.
What equipment is essential for making this jam?
A roasting pan or grill, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, heavy-bottomed saucepan, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring tools, and sterilized glass jars with lids.
How is the jam cooked to get the right consistency?
Simmer the mixture in a saucepan, gradually adding fruit pectin. Stir continuously and test consistency by placing a small amount on a chilled plate to see if it gels.
Can I store Hatch Chile Jam without canning?
Yes, you can refrigerate the jam for up to three weeks. For longer storage, proper canning using sterilized jars and boiling water bath is recommended.
What are some popular ways to serve Hatch Chile Jam?
Spread on toast or crackers, use as a meat glaze, add to cheese platters, mix into salad dressings, or top yogurt and oatmeal for a spicy-sweet twist.
Is this jam recipe spicy?
The jam has a balanced heat level. You can adjust spiciness by leaving some chile seeds in or removing them completely to suit your taste.
Can I gift Hatch Chile Jam?
Absolutely! The jam’s unique flavor and attractive packaging in sterilized jars make it a great homemade gift for food lovers.
How long does homemade Hatch Chile Jam last?
When properly canned and sealed, it can last up to one year stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening and use within a few weeks.