Habanero Pepper Jelly
Habanero Pepper Jelly Recipe - Authentic Mexican Flavor
Introduction
Habanero Pepper Jelly is a sweet and spicy condiment that adds a kick to any dish. This jelly is perfect for spreading on crackers, pairing with cheese, or glazing meats. The combination of fiery habanero peppers with sweet sugar creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds.
History
Habanero Pepper Jelly has its roots in the Southern United States, where spicy jellies are a popular condiment. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors has been enjoyed for generations, with each family adding their own twist to the recipe. Habanero peppers, known for their intense heat, add a fiery kick to this jelly that sets it apart from other pepper jellies.
Ingredients
- 0.75 cup of cider vinegar
- 3.25 cups of sugar
- 8 habanero chilies, chopped
- 0.25 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup of grated carrot
- 3 oz (85 g) of liquid pectin
How to prepare
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix in carrot and red pepper, then bring to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, then add pectin and return to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Skim off any foam and carefully bottle the mixture in sterilized 4 oz (113 g) jelly jars.
Variations
- Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
- Substitute jalapeno peppers for a milder flavor.
- Mix in chopped cilantro for a fresh herbaceous note.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to wear gloves when handling habanero peppers, as they can cause skin irritation.
- Adjust the amount of peppers to suit your heat preference. For a milder jelly, use fewer peppers.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jelly reaches the proper temperature for setting.
- Store the jelly in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Habanero Pepper Jelly on a cheese platter with crackers, or use it as a glaze for grilled meats.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect Habanero Pepper Jelly is to cook the mixture until it reaches the gel point, which is around 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have liquid pectin on hand, you can use powdered pectin instead. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount to use.
Make Ahead Tips
Habanero Pepper Jelly can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Habanero Pepper Jelly in small jars with a decorative label for a homemade touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Habanero Pepper Jelly with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, or use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Habanero Pepper Jelly in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the jar in a bowl of warm water until the jelly softens.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Habanero Pepper Jelly contains approximately 80 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Habanero Pepper Jelly contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Habanero Pepper Jelly is fat-free.
Proteins
There is no protein in Habanero Pepper Jelly.
Vitamins and minerals
Habanero Pepper Jelly is a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the bell peppers and carrots used in the recipe.
Alergens
Habanero Pepper Jelly may contain traces of sulfites from the cider vinegar.
Summary
Habanero Pepper Jelly is a low-calorie, fat-free condiment that is high in Vitamin C and carbohydrates.
Summary
Habanero Pepper Jelly is a sweet and spicy condiment that adds a kick to any dish. With its fiery habanero peppers and sweet sugar, this jelly is sure to impress your taste buds. Serve it on a cheese platter, use it as a glaze for meats, or give it as a homemade gift.
How did I get this recipe?
. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon the small, quaint farmer's market in the heart of the town square. As I walked through the bustling market, the vibrant colors and tantalizing scents of fresh produce and homemade goods filled the air.
I was drawn to a stall overflowing with baskets of bright orange habanero peppers. The vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile and twinkling eyes, greeted me and introduced herself as Mrs. Martinez. She explained that she had been growing habanero peppers for years and had a special recipe for making habanero pepper jelly that she was known for.
Intrigued, I asked Mrs. Martinez if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. Without hesitation, she nodded and began to dictate the ingredients and steps to me as I scribbled furiously in my notebook. As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking reflected in her eyes.
After thanking Mrs. Martinez profusely, I left the market with a basket full of habanero peppers and a newfound excitement to try out the recipe. I spent the rest of the day carefully following Mrs. Martinez's instructions, chopping, cooking, and stirring until I had a beautiful, fiery red jelly simmering on the stove.
As the jelly cooled, I couldn't resist taking a small taste. The sweet and spicy flavors exploded on my tongue, leaving me craving more. I knew then that this habanero pepper jelly would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.
Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I would make batches of habanero pepper jelly to give as gifts to friends and family, who would always rave about its unique flavor and fiery kick.
One Christmas, my granddaughter came to visit me, and I decided to teach her how to make the habanero pepper jelly. She was hesitant at first, worried about the intense heat of the peppers. But as we chopped and stirred together, I could see the same spark of curiosity and excitement in her eyes that I had felt all those years ago at the farmer's market.
As the jelly cooled, I watched as my granddaughter tentatively tasted a small spoonful. Her eyes widened in surprise, and then a smile spread across her face. "It's delicious, Grandma!" she exclaimed, reaching for another spoonful.
I knew then that the tradition of making habanero pepper jelly had been passed down to another generation, and it warmed my heart to see my granddaughter embrace it with such enthusiasm.
Now, whenever I make a batch of habanero pepper jelly, I think back to that fateful day at the farmer's market and Mrs. Martinez's generous spirit in sharing her recipe with me. I am grateful for the joy and memories that this simple jar of jelly has brought to my family over the years.
And as I sit here, stirring a pot of bubbling habanero peppers on the stove, I can't help but smile at the thought of my granddaughter carrying on the tradition long after I am gone. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind, and I am grateful for the legacy of love and flavor that it has left behind.
Categories
| Carrot Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cider Vinegar Recipes | Habanero Chile Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Pepper Jelly Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes |