Exotic Thai Basil Pepper Jelly
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Exotic Thai Basil Pepper Jelly, a delightful condiment that adds a twist to any dish. This unique recipe showcases the aromatic and slightly sweet notes of Thai basil combined with a mix of sweet and hot peppers, perfect for elevating your culinary creations. Serve it as a luxurious topping over cream cheese with crackers for an elegant appetizer, or use it as a glaze for barbecued chicken breasts for a memorable meal. This recipe even doubles as a two-for-one surprise: the infused vinegar can be used for dressings and marinades, bringing even more depth to your kitchen adventures.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thai basil
2 cups (fresh, rinsed, and roughly chopped)
White vinegar
to fill jar (for infusing basil)
Sweet green pepper
1 cup (uniformly minced)
Fresh hot pepper
1/2 cup (uniformly minced (red Thai, jalapeño, or other type))
Red onion
1/2 cup (uniformly minced)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
Thai basil infused vinegar
1 1/2 cups (prepared as above)
Sugar
6 cups
Liquid pectin
2 packets (3 ounces each)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Thai Basil-Infused Vinegar: In a quart canning jar, place the fresh Thai basil, then fill the jar with white vinegar to the top. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, shaded spot for two weeks. After infusing, strain the vinegar to remove the basil and set it aside for the jelly.
2
Make the Jelly: In a large saucepan, combine the minced sweet green peppers, hot peppers, red onion, dried basil, 1 1/2 cups of the Thai basil-infused vinegar, and sugar. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, add the liquid pectin and stir continuously. Allow it to return to a vigorous boil, cooking for exactly 1 minute while stirring steadily to ensure even consistency.
4
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue, and seal with lids.
5
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing. Once done, remove the jars and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel. Store in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Exotic Thai Basil Pepper Jelly?
This jelly features vibrant flavors, combining aromatic and slightly sweet notes of Thai basil with a blend of sweet and hot peppers.
How do I prepare the Thai Basil-Infused Vinegar?
Place fresh Thai basil in a quart canning jar and fill it to the top with white vinegar, then seal and store in a cool, shaded spot for two weeks.
How long does the vinegar need to infuse?
The vinegar should be left to infuse for exactly two weeks before being strained for use in the jelly.
What should I do with the basil after the vinegar is infused?
After the two-week infusion period, you should strain the vinegar to remove the basil and set the liquid aside for the recipe.
What types of peppers are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a mix of sweet green peppers and hot peppers, such as red Thai peppers or jalapeños.
How should the peppers and onions be prepared?
The sweet green peppers, hot peppers, and red onions should all be uniformly minced for the best consistency.
What is the recommended serving suggestion for an appetizer?
Serve the jelly as a luxurious topping over cream cheese with crackers for an elegant appetizer.
Can I use this jelly for main courses?
Yes, it makes an excellent glaze for barbecued chicken breasts.
What are the secondary uses for the Thai basil-infused vinegar?
The infused vinegar can be used for salad dressings and marinades to add depth to your cooking.
How much sugar is required for the jelly?
The recipe requires 6 cups of sugar.
What type of pectin is used in this recipe?
You should use liquid pectin, specifically 2 packets of 3 ounces each.
How long should the mixture boil after adding pectin?
Once the mixture returns to a vigorous boil after adding pectin, cook it for exactly 1 minute while stirring steadily.
What size jars should be used for canning?
The recipe is designed for sterilized half-pint canning jars.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave approximately 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
How long do I process the jars in a water bath?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed.
Where is the best place to store the finished jelly?
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Does the recipe use dried herbs as well?
Yes, in addition to the fresh Thai basil infusion, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil is added to the saucepan.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients: Thai basil, white vinegar, sweet green pepper, hot pepper, red onion, dried basil, infused vinegar, sugar, and liquid pectin.
What is the specific amount of red onion needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uniformly minced red onion.
How much hot pepper should I add?
You should use 1/2 cup of uniformly minced fresh hot peppers.
Should I stir the jelly during the boiling process?
Yes, stir well initially and stir continuously once the pectin has been added and the mixture is boiling.
What is the heat setting for cooking the jelly?
The jelly should be brought to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
How much infused vinegar goes into the jelly mixture?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of the prepared Thai basil-infused vinegar.
What should I do before sealing the jars?
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue before sealing with lids.
How should the jars be cooled after the water bath?
Remove them from the water bath and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel.
How much fresh Thai basil is required for the infusion?
You will need 2 cups of fresh, rinsed, and roughly chopped Thai basil.
What type of white vinegar should be used?
Standard white vinegar is used to fill the jar for the infusion process.
How much sweet green pepper is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uniformly minced sweet green pepper.
Is this a good recipe for preserving?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for those interested in home preserving and making condiments.
Can I use other types of basil for this recipe?
While Thai basil is specified for its unique aromatic notes, the process remains the same, though the flavor profile will change if using standard sweet basil.