Vegan 3 Ingredient Mixed Berry Jam
Homemade jam has always felt like a luxury, but with only three ingredients and half an hour, it’s a luxury that’s easy to make!
In this recipe, I’ve used a combination of raspberries and strawberries, as these are all my go-to favourite fruits. You can use whichever berries you prefer – all strawberry if that’s your favourite! With the addition of the chia seeds the jam comes together just like regular jam, but without the large amount of sugar. This jam is tasty, not too sweet and really simple to make... it's a must try.
Can I use a different sugar?
Yes! I use coconut sugar as it's not too sweet, but you can always use a different sugar. Caster sugar would be the best alternative, but you can use a brown sugar if you'd like it richer. If you'd like it sweeter, you can also change the amount of sugar, or use a different sugar... if you use a different sugar, keep the measurements the same until you've tried it, then you can add more if it's not to your preference.
What fruit is best to use?
Whatever berries you'd like, just like 'normal' jam. In this jam I've used raspberries and strawberries, but you can add blackberries or just use strawberries, whatever you'd prefer. I've used this recipe and added blueberries previously and I can recommend using them!
Can I make it sweeter?
Of course, you can use a different sugar to just add a little more sugar. Depending on how much more sugar you add, you may need to boil the jam for a little longer to allow it to thicken, or add another half or full tablespoon of chia seeds. Once you've added the extra sugar, allowed it to boil for 15 - 20 minutes and added the chia seeds, have a look at the texture and see if you need to add any more chia seeds. This is your personal preference, so see how you feel as you go.
What do the chia seeds do?
The chia seeds are what create the texture of the jam and actually make it a jam. They absorb the juice from the fruit and melted sugar and expand. They create, as odd as it may sound, a jelly-like texture as the mixture boils in the pan.
Do I need any fancy equipment?
Nope and that's what's great about this recipe! Unlike 'normal' jam which requires fancy equipment like thermometers, all you just need for this jam is a pan! Making jam can also be a lengthy process as it takes hours to set, but the chia seeds do this in this recipe, which means that as soon as it's all combined and thickened, you can eat it (though you can leave it in the fridge to set a little more if you'd prefer).
How do I store this jam?
This jam can be stored like any other jam, in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be stored in the fridge for 1 - 2 weeks, or it can be frozen for up to a month in an airtight container. If frozen, allow it to fully defrost before eating and store in the fridge, again for 1 -2 weeks.
What goes into this mixed berry jam?
Fruit - the fruit, fresh or frozen, is what makes up the majority of jam and provides the flavour. This means you can choose what the flavour is depending on the fruit that you choose, so make sure it's a fruit that you like!
Coconut Sugar - this provides the sweetness, as fruit can often be sour as well as sweet and jam is a quite sweet. You can change the sugar and the amount that you use depending on how sweet you would like your jam.
Chia Seeds - these are what bind the jam and give it the texture, plus they are great to include in your diet!
Water - this just helps the sugar melt at the start, until the fruit beings to soften and starts to release their juice.
With this easy 3 ingredient mixed berry jam, you can have jam made and ready to eat in just over half an hour... no need to wait for two days for it to set when all you want is to eat some! Quick, full of flavour and goodness, simple and stress-free, this recipe is perfect... it's even great when used in jam tarts and that's most important right?
3 Ingredient Mixed Berry Jam
Preparation Time : 5 minutes
Cooking Time : 35 minutes
Makes : 420ml (average)
Ingredients
700g Berries (Fresh or Frozen)
150g Coconut Sugar
9 tbsp Chia Seeds
4 tbsp Water
Method
In a pan, heat the berries, coconut sugar and water. Leave on a high heat for 10 minutes to allow the juice to be released from the fruit.
Bring to the boil and boil for 15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Reduce to a simmer and continue stirring for 5 minutes.
Add the chia seeds and stir well to combine with the fruit. Leave the mixture simmering for a further 5 minutes until the chia seeds expand and the mixture becomes jelly-like, again stirring regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the jam to your jar and enjoy warm or leave to set further in the fridge.
• If you make this, please tag me on Instagram @thecharlotteemilyy or use the hashtag #cebakes •
