When apricots are no longer available, the dried ones allow us to appreciate their taste throughout the year. In this guide you will discover some recipes that will allow you to turn them into a jam. After tasting it, you will surely want to prepare some more to give to friends as a gift.
Ingrediants
Dried apricot jam:
The indicated doses allow you to prepare about 5 jars of jam:
- 500 g of Dried Apricots
- 1, 250 l of water
- 1 kg of sugar (preferably cane, although the white one gives a better color to the recipe)
- 5 Glass Jars (about 250 ml each)
Dried apricot and almond jam:
The indicated doses allow you to prepare about 4 jars of jam:
- 500 g of Dried Apricots
- 1,440 liters of water
- 2 Lemons, zest and juice
- 1, 2 kg of White Sugar
- 55 g of blanched almonds, in flakes
- 4 glass jars (about 250 ml each)
Spicy dried apricot jam
- 225 g of Dried Apricots
- 720 ml of water
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 100 g of White Sugar
- Seeds of 1 Vanilla Bean or 1-2 tablespoons of Vanilla Extract
- 1 Red Chili, finely chopped
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Dried apricot jam
Step 1. Pour the dried apricots into a large bowl and cover them with water
Leave them to soak overnight.
Step 2. Pour the water and apricots into a large pot
Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until soft.
Step 3. Add the sugar and mix until completely dissolved
Step 4. Reduce the heat and let the jam simmer
Cook and stir occasionally for an hour, or until the jam reaches the right jelly-like consistency to taste. Pour it into sterilized jars. Wait for them to cool and then seal them.
Step 5. If you want to gift your jam jars, decorate the lid with a piece of fabric, giving it an elegant and professional touch
Tie it with a satin ribbon that matches the color of the fabric. Add a label so that the recipient can identify it and know the production date.
Step 6. Finished
Method 2 of 3: Dried apricot and almond jam
Step 1. Prepare the dried apricots
Wash them and chop them coarsely.
Step 2. Transfer them to a large bowl
Cover them with hot water and soak them for at least 8 hours.
Step 3. Pour the water and apricots into a large pot
Add the lemon juice and zest.
Step 4. Bring to a boil
Then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes, being careful not to burn the apricots. Leave the pot uncovered and stir frequently. When the apricots have softened, move on to the next step.
Step 5. Heat the sugar while the apricots are cooking
Once cooked, add the hot sugar to the fluffy apricots. Bring to the boil again, never stopping stirring. Cook until the sugar dissolves.
Step 6. Reduce heat and simmer
Continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the jam reaches the right jelly-like consistency to taste. Do not lose sight of it to prevent it from burning, and if necessary stir occasionally.
Remove any patina formed on the surface during cooking with a slotted spoon
Step 7. Remove the pot from the heat
Incorporate the almond flakes and mix carefully. Set the jam aside to cool for 15 minutes.
Step 8. Prepare the jars by sterilizing them
Stir the jam and then transfer it to the containers. Seal and label them.
Step 9. Store them in a cool, dark place
After 2 weeks from the moment of preparation, the jam will be ready to be enjoyed.
This jam can be stored for up to 6 months, but must be stored in the refrigerator after opening
Method 3 of 3: Spicy dried apricot jam
Step 1. Wash the apricots
Cut them into small pieces.
If you prefer a whole fruit jam, you can skip this step
Step 2. Pour the dried apricots into a medium-sized bowl
Cover them with water. Place a lid or plastic wrap on the bowl and let the apricots soak overnight.
Step 3. Filter the apricots from the water but do not throw away the liquid
Step 4. Pour the apricots into a large pot
Add 240ml of the soaking water. Also mix in the lemon juice.
Step 5. Add the sugar, vanilla, and chopped red pepper to the saucepan
Bring the ingredients to a boil.
Step 6. Turn down the heat
Simmer for 30 - 40 minutes, or until the jam reaches the right jelly-like consistency to taste. Stir it occasionally to avoid burning it.
Step 7. Sterilize the jars while the jam is cooking
Before using them, make sure they are perfectly dry.
Step 8. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the jam into the jars
Seal and label them.
Step 9. Store them in the refrigerator
Let the jam rest for a few days, as the spiciness will be attenuated when the chilli is mixed with the apricots.
You can keep the jam in the refrigerator for up to 1 month
Advice
- If you wish, you can add an extra aromatic note by incorporating a few drops of an essence (extract) of your choice, such as lemon, orange or rose.
- It is important that the cooking pot has a sturdy bottom, to avoid burning the jam.
- Sterilize the jars while the jam is simmering.
- A possible variation: add pineapple juice mixed with water and chopped pineapple pulp (a small package is enough). They will add flavor and moisture to the recipe.
- You can opt for organic dried apricots not treated with sulphites, available at health food stores. The color of your fruits will be much darker than those normally found in supermarkets.
- If you want your almond flakes to keep their crunchiness, add them after the cooking process is finished.
