Easy Tomato Jam

This delicious tomato jam is a great way to transform summer tomatoes into a tasty spread! It’s incredible on burgers, toast, eggs, bagels, and more!

I have to admit something. I’d never heard of tomato jam until I moved to the south. I think the food community has changed a lot over the last decade and I’m sure if I still lived in Ohio I’d see tomato jam popping up on various menus. But for the first 20 years of my life, I went without tomato jam. Now I’m catching up because this tasty spread is so delicious!

What is Tomato Jam?

Tomato Jam is made from cooking tomatoes and spices until the tomatoes have formed a thick paste. Tomatoes have a lot of pectin on their own so it doesn’t require as much sugar as traditional jams. Tomatoes are chopped and slowly simmered on the stovetop with spices. I highly recommend making this tomato jam for burgers!

What are the Best Tomatoes for Jam?

I recommend using plum or Roma tomatoes. I’ve also tested this with “on the vine” tomatoes and that worked well, too, although I did prefer Roma. I haven’t tested this with cherry tomatoes or slicing tomatoes so if you give it a try, let me know how it works in the comments!

How Long Does it Last?

Tomato Jam is a little different than most fruit preserves, as it will need to be eaten in about ~2 weeks. Since it’s not truly being preserved, it doesn’t have a long shelf life. You’ll need to store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. I do not recommend freezing.

What Does Tomato Jam Taste Like?

It’s more of a savory jam. Since tomatoes are high in pectin it doesn’t require a lot of sugar. It’s less sweet than something like apricot jam and more of a savory spread, which is why it’s delicious on burgers, breakfast sandwiches, eggs, and toast! I love adding it to a grilled cheese with mozzarella and cheddar.

How to Make Homemade Tomato Jam

Pulse the tomatoes, brown sugar, shallot, lemon juice, ginger, cumin and salt in food processor until coarsely ground, about 8 pulses.

Transfer mixture to a large nonstick skillet and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is reduced and thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer tomato jam to a jar and let cool.

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How to Use Tomato Jam

Try this jam on a breakfast sandwich or on your next grilled cheese sandwich. It would also be delicious on top of a spicy black bean burger! The possibilities for this jam are endless, but I think this recipe makes the best quick tomato jam for burgers!

If you still have a few tomatoes to use, try one of these tasty tomato recipes!

• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Baked Gnocchi with Tomatoes

Have you ever tried tomato jam?