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Roasted Beet Jam

Roasted Beet Jam

Roasted Beet Jam is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy homemade jam that combines the earthy richness of roasted beets with natural sweetness and subtle acidity. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or using as a glaze, this easy-to-make jam adds a unique flavor and bright deep red color to any dish. It’s made with simple ingredients, can be customized with spices or herbs, and stores well without preservatives.

Ingredients

Core Ingredients

  • Fresh beets – 2 pounds (about 4-5 medium beets)
  • Sugar – 1 to 1½ cups, adjusted to taste (can substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free)
  • Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Water – ½ cup

Optional Ingredients

  • Pectin – 1 tablespoon (or as required by package instructions)
  • Spices (such as ground ginger, cinnamon, or cloves) – ½ to 1 teaspoon, to taste
  • Citrus zest (orange or lime) – 1 teaspoon
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) – 1 teaspoon, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Roast the Beets: Wash and trim the fresh beets. Wrap each beet in foil and place in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C). Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Roasting develops sweetness and softens the beets for blending.
  2. Peel and Chop: Allow the roasted beets to cool enough to handle. Gently rub away the skins—they should slip off easily. Chop the peeled beets into small chunks for a smooth texture or leave some larger pieces if you prefer a chunkier jam.
  3. Cook the Jam Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the chopped beets, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
  4. Add Pectin and Spices: If using pectin, add it now following the package instructions to help the jam set properly. Stir in any optional spices such as ground ginger or cinnamon to add warmth and complexity to the flavor.
  5. Blend and Finalize: Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender to puree the jam to your desired texture—fully smooth or partially chunky. Return to the saucepan if removed. Cook an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring into sterilized jars for storage.

Notes

  • Roast beets until fully tender to maximize natural sweetness.
  • Adjust sugar gradually during cooking according to taste.
  • Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning as the mixture thickens.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for brightening flavor and preserving vibrant color.
  • Store jam in sterilized, airtight jars after cooling to avoid spoilage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Roasted beet jam, beet preserve, homemade jam, gluten free jam, vegetarian jam, natural sweetener jam