This Sweet and Savory Southern Fig Jam is a delightful spread bursting with flavor! Made from ripe figs, a touch of sugar, and spices, it’s perfect for biscuits or toast.
I love how this jam can be sweet or savory depending on what you pair it with. It’s like a tiny jar of happiness! You’ll find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar! 😄
Making this jam is super easy! Just cook the figs with sugar and your favorite spices, then let it cool. Trust me, you’ll want this on your breakfast table every day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Figs: Fresh, ripe figs are the heart of this jam, providing sweetness and texture. If fresh figs aren’t available, you can use dried figs, but soak them in warm water for a bit to soften before using.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is classic for sweetness, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Just adjust the quantities as needed, since these alternatives are sweeter.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice brightens the jam and adds acidity. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth. You can swap it with nutmeg or allspice if you prefer a different spice profile. The black pepper adds a subtle kick, but feel free to omit it for a completely sweet jam.
Onion & Thyme: These are optional for a savory touch. If you’re not a fan of onion, try using shallots instead for milder sweetness, or skip it altogether. Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can be fun alternatives!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Jam Consistency?
Getting the right consistency for your fig jam is key! Here’s how to ensure your jam is thick and spreadable:
- Start cooking over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves; this helps with the initial gelling process.
- After boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep an eye on it. Cooking time can vary based on the moisture content of your figs.
- Use the chilled plate test to check if your jam is ready. A small spoonful should hold its shape and wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
- If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness. If too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit.
With these tips, you’ll make fig jam that’s perfect for slathering on your favorite foods!
Sweet and Savory Southern Fig Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Jam:
- 2 pounds fresh ripe figs, stemmed and quartered
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep and 45-60 minutes for cooking, bringing the total time to around 1 hour. Plus, you’ll want to let the jam cool down before putting it in jars. So, set aside some time to enjoy the delightful aromas as it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the quartered figs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar. This mixture is what will create your delicious jam!
2. Add Savory Elements (Optional):
If you’re feeling adventurous, add the finely chopped onion and fresh thyme leaves to the pan. This step adds a unique savory touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the figs.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to gently boil. This usually takes just a few minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
4. Simmer and Thicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered. Stir occasionally, and cook until the figs break down and the jam thickens to a spreadable consistency, which should take about 45-60 minutes. Patience is key here!
5. Test the Consistency:
To check if your jam is ready, drop a small amount on a chilled plate. If it gels and wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s done! If not, keep simmering and testing every few minutes.
6. Cool and Jar it Up:
Once ready, remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Make sure to leave some headspace in the jars for expansion.
7. Seal and Store:
Seal the jars and allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3 weeks, or process in a water bath canner if you want to keep it longer!
8. Enjoy!
This Sweet and Savory Southern Fig Jam is delicious on warm biscuits, toasted bread, or as a complement to a cheese board. Get ready for the compliments!
Can I Use Dried Figs Instead of Fresh Figs?
Yes, you can use dried figs! Just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften before chopping and using in the recipe. This will help them break down more easily while cooking.
Can I Adjust the Sugar Content?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar by up to half. Keep in mind that sugar also plays a role in preservation, so the shelf life may be shorter with less sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Jam?
Store the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, consider processing the jam in a water bath canner for preservation, which can extend its shelf life by several months!
What Can I Pair This Jam With?
This fig jam is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it on warm biscuits, toast, or with cream cheese on crackers. It also pairs beautifully with cheese boards, particularly with strong cheeses like blue cheese or goat cheese!
