This Chia Seed Jam is easy to make in just 10 minutes with fresh or frozen berries, chia seeds and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Enjoy some on your favorite toast, a yogurt bowl or by the spoonful! Naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, paleo with low carb and keto options.
Delicious and Healthy Chia Jam
Are you looking for a delectable and nutritious jam recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Look no further than this delightful Chia Jam! Bursting with the natural sweetness of berries and enriched with the health benefits of chia seeds, this jam is a must-try for any jam lover. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or creating a delicious sandwich, this Chia Jam recipe will elevate your breakfast or snack time to a whole new level.
Ingredients you need
- Raspberries: Fresh or frozen raspberries form the base of this jam. However, feel free to use your preferred berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries to suit your taste and availability.
- Maple Syrup or Preferred Sweetener: Adding a touch of sweetness to the jam, maple syrup or any liquid sweetener of your choice enhances the natural flavors of the berries. Adjust the quantity to suit your desired level of sweetness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy note, balancing the sweetness of the jam and enhancing the overall taste.
- Chia Seeds: The magical ingredient in this recipe, chia seeds play a crucial role in thickening the jam naturally. They also bring along numerous health benefits like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- Pinch of Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of sea salt elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness, resulting in a perfectly harmonized jam.
For the optional sandwich:
- Rustic Sourdough, (or crusty rustic loaf of choice) – we like bread srsly, awg bakery, California country gal or base culture for gluten-free / grain-free)
- Natural creamy cashew butter (sub peanut butter or any nut / seed butter)
- Sliced bananas
- Tiny pinch of cinnamon
How to make Chia Seed Jam
- Cook: In a pot / saucepan, add the raspberries, maple syrup and lemon and bring to a full boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or the raspberries have softened. Use a fork or wooden spoon to gently mash down the raspberries, then stir in the chia seeds. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 2 – 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat: Remove the pot / saucepan from the heat and allow the raspberry mixture to cool for at least 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Transfer to jar and cool: Transfer the jam to a small jar and refrigerate at least 2 hours before using. Store in a sealed jar for up to 3 weeks.
- For the optional sandwich: Toast bread until golden and add both slices on a large plate or platter to fit both slices. Spread the raspberry jam on one slice of bread. Spread some nut butter evenly on the other sliced bread. Top the nut butter with some sliced bananas and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of cinnamon. Take the raspberry jam slice and place on top of the banana / nut butter slide to close the sandwich. Cut the sandwich in half and show the inside of the sandwich and enjoy.
Tips for Success:
- Choose ripe and flavorful berries: Opt for the ripest berries available, as they will provide the best flavor and sweetness to your jam. If using frozen berries, ensure they are of high quality.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the jam as you go and adjust the amount of sweetener accordingly. If your berries are already very sweet, you might need less sweetener.
- Stir frequently: While cooking the jam, make sure to stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help ensure an even consistency and avoid any burnt flavors.
Storage and Freezer Instructions:
Once you’ve made this luscious Chia Jam, you might wonder how to store it for later use. Here are a few simple guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Transfer the jam to a small jar or airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before using. Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: If you wish to preserve the jam for an extended period, freezing is the way to go. Spoon the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Serving Suggestions:
While Chia Jam is a delight on its own, there are endless ways to enjoy it. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire your culinary adventures:
Classic Toast: Spread a generous amount of Chia Jam on toasted rustic sourdough bread or your favorite crusty loaf. The combination of the jam’s fruity goodness and the bread’s crunchy texture is pure bliss.
Heavenly Sandwich: Take your toast game to the next level by creating a scrumptious Chia Jam sandwich. After toasting your bread, slather one slice with the jam and the other with your favorite nut or seed butter. Top the nut butter with sliced bananas and sprinkle a touch of cinnamon for an extra flavor dimension. Close the sandwich, cut it in half, and indulge in a heavenly treat!
Variations and Substitutions:
Get creative with your Chia Jam and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to experiment with:
- Mixed Berry Jam: Combine different types of berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, to create a vibrant and flavorful mixed berry jam.
- Citrus Twist: Instead of lemon juice, try using orange or lime juice to infuse your jam with a citrusy twist. The bright flavors will add a refreshing note to your creation.
- Spice Infusion: Enhance the warmth and depth of your jam by incorporating spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. Just a sprinkle will take your taste buds on a delightful journey.
More Helpful Information:
- Customize the consistency: If you prefer a smoother jam, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture after cooking. For a chunkier texture, mash the berries less and stir the chia seeds gently.
- Get creative with add-ins: Amp up the flavor profile of your Chia Jam by adding other ingredients like vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur. Just remember to adjust the other flavors accordingly.
Now that you’re armed with this fabulous Chia Jam recipe, it’s time to whip up a batch and savor the burst of fruity goodness. Whether you enjoy it on toast, in a sandwich, or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite treats, this jam will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your berries, chia seeds, and a jar, and let’s embark on a jam-making adventure that will leave you craving more. Enjoy every spoonful and relish the mouthwatering flavors of our Chia Jam!
This Chia Seed Jam is easy to make in just 10 minutes with fresh or frozen berries, chia seeds and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Enjoy some on your favorite toast, a yogurt bowl or by the spoonful! Naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, paleo with low carb and keto options.
- 1 1/2 cups raspberries , fresh or frozen. Or use preferred berries of choice. Sliced strawberries, blueberries or blackberries all work great.
- 1 ½ - 2 1/2 tbsp maple syrup or preferred liquid sweetener (use more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp chia seeds
- pinch sea salt
- 2 slices of rustic Sourdough , (or crusty rustic loaf of choice - we like bread srsly, awg bakery, California country gal or base culture for gluten-free / grain-free), toasted
- Sliced bananas , (sub peanut butter or any nut / seed butter)
- Tiny pinch of cinnamon
In a pot / saucepan, add the berries, maple syrup and lemon and bring to a full boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or the raspberries have softened. Use a fork or wooden spoon to gently mash down the raspberries, then stir in the chia seeds. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 2 - 4 minutes.
- Remove the pot / saucepan from the heat and allow the raspberry mixture to cool for at least 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Transfer the jam to a small jar and refrigerate at least 2 hours before using. Store in a sealed jar for up to 3 weeks.
Toast bread until golden and add both slices on a large plate or platter to fit both slices. Spread the raspberry jam on one slice of bread. Spread some nut butter evenly on the other sliced bread. Top the nut butter with some sliced bananas and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of cinnamon. Take the raspberry jam slice and place on top of the banana / nut butter slide to close the sandwich. Cut the sandwich in half and show the inside of the sandwich and enjoy.
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