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This isn't the classic grape jam recipe, but it sure has a lot of flavor and nutrients - which, after all, is what we're after here, right?
With a low amount of sugar, in this recipe, we use another naturally sweet source: date paste!
So let's get to the full recipe and the details of possible substitutions!
JUMP TO RECIPE!
I remember when my mother or grandmother cooked jam at home.
The kitchen slowly smelled like the sweet aroma of fruits cooking in crystal sugar syrup with water. Steam rose from the hot pot, and I, a child, eagerly stood by the stove, waiting for the opportunity to taste a little. It wasn't a quick process for the person in charge of being next to the stove all the time, but delicious enough to stay in the memory.
Unlike the original recipe for any jam, this unclassical version is faster, made with whole fruit and with a * very * low amount of sugar.
However, even so, perfect to accompany a cup of coffee and warm bread!
How to prepare
With only 5 ingredients, this recipe is perfect for using the fruits we have at home, whether fresh or frozen. An even more interesting point: we can substitute whatever fruit we want! Perfect for using the best fruits of the season: naturally sweet and ripe.
If you have grapes in the freezer, or any other frozen fruit, feel free to use them. In this recipe, we use frozen fruits, but fresh fruits will give the same result.
The amount of water is low, as we can see in the photo of the ingredients above. This is because we don't cook the fruit for as long as in the original recipe.
Speaking of cooking time, one of the reasons this recipe is so much faster is the way the sugar is used. In classic recipes, the entire amount of granulated sugar needs to cook with water to create the thick broth. In this version, the natural sugar used is liquid, and the thickness of jam we achieve with the chia seeds!
Store the prepared jam while still warm in a tightly closed glass jar. The lid will seal easily.
Super important: the original sugar is the ingredient that keeps the jam preserved for longer, a factor omitted in our recipe without granulated sugar, which turns it into a shorter shelf life! Therefore, store the end product in the fridge and try to consume it within 7 to 10 days.
Ingredients Step-by-step
With only 5 ingredients, we don't have so many worries about the step-by-step, but at some points, we can pay attention to possible substitutions!
Grape - Here we use whole frozen grapes (with the seeds). Feel free to use fresh or seedless grapes. In addition, all other fruits can be substituted for the grape in this recipe, using the same amount of ingredients.
Chia seeds - As we said before, the chia seeds guarantee the jam consistency in this recipe. Remember that if you increase the amount of fruit or liquid in the recipe, add more chia seeds. I don't use any substitutes, so I don't know if flaxseeds, for example, do the job. The best of the chia is that it does not change the final flavor of the recipe.
Date paste - Here's an easy date-paste recipe. Any natural sweetener can be used here, like molasses, agave syrup, maple syrup, brown sugar, and even honey, if you prefer. The dates in small pieces can even be cooked together with the grapes. Just be aware that if you opt for granulated sugar, the preparation time may take longer!
Lemon - Necessary to increase shelf life, lemon is irreplaceable.
What might interest you:
Homemade Date Paste
Grape Jam Naturally Sweet
Prep Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups grapes
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp date paste (recipe here)
2 to 3 tbsp chia seeds
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Method
1. To a large pot add the grapes (or fruit of your choice) and water. Cover and turn on medium heat.
2. Allow the fruit to cook for 5 minutes, stirring every now and then.
3. When the fruits are already more cooked add the date paste or sweetener of your choice. Mix and cover the pan again.
4. When the fruits are almost cooked and create a natural broth, then add the chia seeds.
5. At this point, mix constantly. Make sure the jam doesn't stick in the pan by reducing the heat to a minimum.
6. Cook for another 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
7. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then add the juice of half a lemon. Mix.
8. With a warm jam, you can store it in a tightly closed glass jar..
9. When completely cool, store the jam in the fridge and consume for 7 to 10 days. Here we talk about how to keep your jam!
In the step-by-step above the recipe, we have more information about the steps needed for the best result!
Did you like this recipe? So comment here below if you've already put it into practice! We'd love to read what you think of our creations!
