Sweet Chili Jam (with Victory Vinegar)

Sweet Chili Jam with Vinegar

Glossy, sticky, and absolutely not for the faint of toast

This is the sort of jam that makes cheese nervous and sausages feel important. Sweet first, heat second, vinegar keeping it all sharp and tidy like a Land Girl with a clipboard.

Ingredients

• 4 red bell peppers, finely chopped

• 6 to 8 red chilies, finely chopped(deseed a few if you want warmth, not a full barn fire)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated

• 500 g caster sugar

• 150 ml vinegar

  • Victory white wine vinegar for clean, punchy brightness

  • Victory apple cider vinegar for softer, fruity charm

• 2 tbsp fish sauce (optional, but secretly brilliant)

• Juice of 1 lime (optional, adds a cheerful wink)

• 1 tsp salt

Method

The Chop Orchestra 🎶

Finely chop the peppers and chilies. The smaller the pieces, the silkier the jam.Food processor absolutely allowed. Nobody’s handing out medals.

Into the Cauldron 🫖

Tip everything except the lime juice into a wide saucepan.Peppers, chilies, garlic, ginger, sugar, vinegar, salt and fish sauce if using.Stir. Admire the colours. Feel briefly smug.

Slow Seduction 🔥

Bring gently to the boil, stirring until the sugar melts into submission.Reduce to a steady simmer and let it bubble happily.

Jam Alchemy ✨

Simmer uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick, glossy and sticky enough to cling to a spoon like it means it.If it slides off slowly and leaves a shiny trail, you’re winning.

Final Flourish 🍋

Stir in the lime juice if using. Taste.More vinegar for bite. More sugar for comfort. Trust your instincts.

Jar It Up 🫙

Spoon into hot, sterilised jars. Seal. Cool.Stand back and admire your shelves like a proud pantry keeper with excellent life choices.

How to Use It (Dangerously Easy)

• With cheese. Especially sharp cheddar or oozy brie.

• On sausages, burgers, bacon sandwiches.

• Stirred into stir-fries or noodles for instant swagger.

• As a sticky glaze for roast veg or chicken.

• Straight from the jar with a spoon when absolutely nobody is watching.

Warning: once opened, it develops legs and disappears.