Imagine a condiment so luxurious, so intensely flavorful, that it transforms ordinary bread into a gourmet experience. This Roasted Tomato Jam is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your appetizer game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, this Italian-inspired delicacy will have your guests begging for the recipe and wondering how something so simple can taste so extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, for grilling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Wash and chop the ripe tomatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread the chopped tomatoes evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer for even roasting.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk the mixture until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Pour the seasoned vinegar mixture over the chopped tomatoes, using a spatula to ensure all tomatoes are lightly coated.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for approximately 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should caramelize and reduce, creating a thick, jam-like consistency.
- While tomatoes are roasting, prepare the bread. Slice the crusty bread into 1/2-inch thick slices at a diagonal for maximum surface area.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill bread slices for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown with distinct grill marks. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once tomatoes have reduced and developed a jam-like texture, remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer the roasted tomato jam to a serving bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside the grilled bread for dipping and spreading.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most intense flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best. • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. • Stir the tomatoes occasionally during roasting to ensure even caramelization. • Don't rush the roasting process—low and slow is key to developing deep, rich flavors. • For extra depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a few fresh herbs like thyme or basil. • Let the jam cool completely to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency. • Store leftover jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. • Experiment with different bread types—sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic country bread all work wonderfully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
