Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Spicy Cherry-Onion Jam?
It is a versatile condiment that combines the natural sweetness of cherries with caramelized brown onions and a hint of heat from chili peppers.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include pitted cherries, brown onions, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili peppers, butter, and olive oil.
How should I serve this jam?
It is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats, a spread on sandwiches, or served alongside a variety of cheeses.
What kind of cherries should I use?
You should use one cup of pitted cherries, which can be either tinned or frozen, provided they are perfectly drained.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The onions should be cooked gently over medium heat for approximately 15-20 minutes until they become soft and caramelized.
Can I use dried chili peppers instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1/2 tablespoon of dried chili pepper flakes as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chili peppers.
How long does the jam need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for approximately 20-30 minutes until the liquid reduces and the consistency is thick.
How should the finished jam be stored?
The jam should be transferred to a sterilized jar, sealed, and stored in the refrigerator.
How long will this jam keep in the refrigerator?
This cherry-onion jam will keep for up to one week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe vegan?
No, this recipe contains butter. To make it vegan, you could substitute the butter with an equal amount of olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
What type of onions are recommended?
The recipe calls for two brown onions that have been finely sliced.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The recipe contains a total of 500 calories.
What is the total fat content?
The jam contains 14g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this jam?
There are 92g of carbohydrates in the total recipe.
Does this recipe provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, the recipe contains 4g of dietary fiber.
What is the protein content of the jam?
The jam contains 2g of protein.
Is the jam spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat depending on the chili peppers used, balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and cherries.
Do I need to cool the jam before storing it?
Yes, you should remove the relish from the heat and allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a jar.
What is the best type of pan to use?
A heavy-based pan is recommended to ensure even heat distribution while caramelizing the onions and simmering the jam.
Can I use red onions instead of brown onions?
While the recipe calls for brown onions, red onions can be used, though they may slightly alter the flavor and color of the final jam.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred for its deep flavor and molasses content, but white sugar can be used if brown sugar is unavailable.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed (cherries, onions, sugar, vinegar, chili, butter, oil) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need to increase the simmering time to achieve the desired thick consistency.
What should the final consistency look like?
The final product should be thick, rich, and jam-like, with the liquid significantly reduced.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of tinned or frozen?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used; ensure they are pitted and you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly.
Does the recipe contain any sodium?
The provided nutritional information does not list a specific sodium count, though butter may contain small amounts.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Chutneys.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this jam suitable for a cheese board?
Absolutely, its sweet and savory profile makes it an excellent accompaniment for various cheeses.