There’s just something magical about making your own jam, don’t you think? It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. This raspberry chia jam is a fantastic twist on traditional jams, packed with vibrant flavor and wholesome ingredients. I love how chia seeds work their magic, thickening the jam naturally while adding a nice little nutritional boost. Plus, it fits perfectly into my healthy lifestyle, sweetened just right with honey or maple syrup. Trust me, once you try this homemade goodness, you’ll never look at store-bought jam the same way again!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (washed and stemmed)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
How to Prepare Raspberry Chia Jam
Making this raspberry chia jam is super simple and so rewarding! Let me walk you through the steps to create this delightful spread that you’ll want to slather on everything.
Step 1: Combine Raspberries and Sweetener
First, grab a saucepan and toss in those beautiful, fresh raspberries along with your choice of honey or maple syrup. I can’t stress enough how important it is to stir occasionally—this helps the raspberries break down and mix thoroughly with the sweetener.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Now, set the heat to medium and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the raspberries start to soften and release their juices. You want a nice, thick, jammy texture, so keep an eye on it and stir to prevent sticking!
Step 3: Add Chia Seeds and Lemon Juice
Once your raspberries are bubbling away, it’s time to add in the chia seeds and lemon juice. Mix them in well—this is where the magic happens! Chia seeds will help thicken the jam while the lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up, and it should look glossy and luscious. If you run a spoon through it, it should hold its shape a bit, giving you that perfect jam consistency!
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and let your jam cool for a bit. Then, transfer it to a clean jar for storage. I love keeping it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks. Enjoy the fruity goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly healthy, packed with antioxidants from the raspberries and fiber from the chia seeds.
- Super easy to whip up in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy mornings!
- Totally customizable; you can adjust the sweetness or add spices for a unique twist.
- Versatile enough to spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or use as a topping for desserts.
- Guilt-free indulgence that fits perfectly into any healthy eating plan.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this delightful raspberry chia jam! Each tablespoon packs about 30 calories, with 0 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. You’ll also get around 5 grams of sugar and 8 grams of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how wholesome this jam is!
Tips for Success
To make your raspberry chia jam absolutely perfect, always use the freshest fruits you can find—this really impacts the flavor! Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness to your taste; if you prefer it a bit sweeter, just add more honey or maple syrup. And for storage, make sure your jar is clean and airtight to keep the jam fresh. If you’re not going to use it in a week or so, you can also freeze it for later enjoyment. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this on hand!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your raspberry chia jam? I’ve got you covered! First off, how long can you store it? Well, in the fridge, it’ll last about two weeks in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy it longer, just pop it in the freezer, and it can last for up to six months!
What can you use this jam for? The options are endless! Spread it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or use it as a topping for pancakes or desserts. If you’re out of honey, feel free to swap in maple syrup or agave for a vegan option. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your raspberry chia jam! Try swapping in different fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a unique flavor. You can also add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for an extra kick. And if you’re in the mood for something different, experiment with different sweeteners like agave syrup or coconut sugar. The possibilities are endless, and each version is delicious in its own way!
Learn more about making delicious strawberry cheesecake!
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Raspberry Chia Jam: 5 Reasons to Make It Today
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and healthy raspberry chia jam recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries and honey or maple syrup.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add lemon juice and chia seeds, and mix well.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen raspberries.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste.
- Chia seeds help thicken the jam.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: raspberry chia jam, healthy jam, vegan jam, easy jam recipe