Ingredients:
– 4 cups of green tomatoes (finely chopped)
– 2 cups of sugar
– ¼ cup of lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of ground cardamom
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Begin by washing the green tomatoes and finely chopping them into small pieces. Remove the stems and discard any seeds or white core you encounter.
2. In a heavy-based pot, add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, lemon juice, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will allow the tomatoes to release their juices and infuse with the other ingredients.
3. Next, place the pot over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for an hour or until the mixture thickens. You’ll want to stir regularly to ensure the jam doesn’t stick to the pot or burn.
4. As it thickens, you’ll notice the mixture turning more translucent and clumping together. You can do a quick check on the thickness by putting a small amount on a plate. If it doesn’t run, you’re good to go.
5. Once the jam has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes. It will thicken more as it cools.
6. You can choose to store the jam in a jar in the refrigerator or can it using proper canning methods.
This green tomato jam recipe with cardamom is perfect for adding a unique and unexpected twist to your breakfast or snack. Pair it with toast, crackers, cheese or even whipped cream cheese. Additionally, it makes a great gift for family and friends.
The addition of ground cardamom helps enhance the flavors of the tomatoes, adding a subtle hint of spice to the sweet and tangy jam. The pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and, together with the lemon juice, provides a nice acidity.
In conclusion, this recipe is a great way to use up any leftover green tomatoes and create a tasty preserve that will add some zest to your morning. Next time you’re strolling through the farmer’s market or your local grocery store, grab a few green tomatoes and try out this recipe for yourself.