Tomato And Bacon Jam Recipe

Ingredients

Cooking the Tomatoes

The success of our **Tomato and Bacon Jam** recipe relies heavily on selecting the right ingredients, particularly when it comes to the tomatoes themselves.

We recommend using a combination of _fresh_ and _canned_ tomatoes for this recipe.

For the fresh component, we suggest choosing two pounds of firm, ripe _tomatoes_.

The ideal variety for cooking would be a dense, meaty _heirloom tomato_ or a beefsteak tomato.

These varieties will hold their shape and provide a rich flavor to the jam.

As for the canned tomatoes, we recommend using two 28-ounce cans of _San Marzano_ crushed tomatoes.

The reason behind this choice is that San Marzano tomatoes have a naturally sweeter and more robust flavor profile compared to other tomato varieties.

This sweetness will balance out the savory flavors of the bacon, creating an excellent harmony in the final product.

Now, let’s move on to cooking the _tomatoes_.

To start, heat two tablespoons of _olive oil_ in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add four cloves of _minced garlic_, and cook for about one minute, or until fragrant and slightly golden.

This step will add an aromatic depth to the dish, so don’t rush it!

Next, add two pounds of sliced _bacon_ and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy.

The bacon should be removed from the pan when it reaches a dark brown color. However, it’s crucial not to overcook it at this stage, as it will continue cooking with the tomatoes.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the heat and set aside.

Add four pounds of _chopped fresh tomatoes_ to the saucepan, along with two 28-ounce cans of crushed _San Marzano tomatoes_.

Pour in a cup of _red wine vinegar_ or apple cider vinegar. This will add a tangy flavor and help preserve the color of the tomatoes.

Cook the mixture for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.

After five minutes, stir in the cooked bacon and its rendered fat. You want to distribute it evenly throughout the jam.

Continue cooking the tomato-bacon mixture over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

This process will reduce the liquid and create a rich, thick sauce that coats your tongue.

The longer you cook the mixture, the thicker the jam will become.

* 3 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored

The star ingredient of this recipe is the **tomatoes**, specifically 3 lbs of ripe, juicy tomatoes that are free from blemishes and have a deep red color.

Before using them in the recipe, it’s essential to core each tomato. This involves cutting out the stem end and any seeds or excess pulp that may be present, allowing for even cooking and flavor distribution.

The coring process helps to remove any bitterness from the tomato and allows the natural sweetness to shine through in the finished jam.

The **cored tomatoes** should then be chopped into small pieces, either by hand or using a food processor. It’s essential to achieve an even consistency to ensure that the jam cooks evenly and has a smooth texture.

* 1/4 cup olive oil

Olive oil is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean and European cuisines, particularly in Italian and Greek cooking. It’s a key component in this tomato and bacon jam recipe, serving as both a flavor enhancer and a cooking medium.

In the context of this specific recipe, olive oil plays multiple roles. Firstly, it helps to add depth and richness to the dish by imparting its distinct flavor profile, characterized by notes of fruitiness and bitterness. This contributes to the overall complexity and balance of flavors in the tomato and bacon jam.

The use of 1/4 cup of olive oil also serves a practical purpose: as a cooking medium. When heated, it allows for the gentle caramelization of the onions and garlic, which is essential in developing the sweet and savory flavor of the jam. Additionally, olive oil helps to bring out the natural flavors of the bacon, preventing it from becoming overly greasy or overpowering.

It’s worth noting that not all types of olive oil are created equal. For this recipe, a mild to medium-strength extra-virgin olive oil is recommended, as its delicate flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients while still providing a smooth and silky texture to the final product.

In terms of specific characteristics, olive oil has several properties that make it an excellent choice for cooking. Its high smoke point allows for safe heating without breaking down or becoming rancid. This means that olive oil can be heated to relatively high temperatures (around 320°F/160°C) before its chemical composition begins to change.

Furthermore, the acidity level of extra-virgin olive oil is typically between 0.5 and 1%, which helps to balance out the richness of the bacon and tomatoes while adding a hint of brightness to the dish.

In summary, olive oil is a vital ingredient in this tomato and bacon jam recipe, contributing to both the flavor profile and texture of the final product. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for cooking, allowing for the gentle caramelization of ingredients and the development of complex flavors without overpowering the other components.

* Salt and pepper to taste

To bring out the full flavor of our Tomato and Bacon Jam Recipe, it’s essential to use the right ingredients, with a focus on the proper balance of salty and savory flavors.

The base of this recipe is made up of * tomatoes *, which should be cooked down until they reach a thick, jam-like consistency. Fresh or canned tomatoes can be used, but we find that using a combination of both adds depth to the flavor.

For added smokiness and richness, you’ll need some **bacon**. Look for thick-cut, smoked bacon that will render down beautifully as it cooks, adding a velvety texture to the jam. Simply chop the bacon into small pieces before cooking it in a pan until crispy.

Next, we add a * soffrito *, which is a mixture of finely chopped onions and garlic that are sautéed together until they’re translucent and caramelized. This soffrito forms the foundation of our jam’s flavor profile, providing a sweet and savory base note.

The soffrito is cooked with some olive oil to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan. As we stir the mixture constantly, the oil helps to bring out the natural sugars in the onions and garlic, resulting in a deep amber color and an intense aroma that’s both sweet and savory.

As for seasonings, you’ll want to add some * salt * to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and soffrito. However, it’s essential not to overseason with salt, as this can make the jam too salty. Instead, use a light hand when sprinkling salt into the pan.

The final seasoning ingredient is **pepper**. Like salt, pepper adds depth and complexity to our Tomato and Bacon Jam Recipe, but unlike salt, it should be added in moderation. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, as pre-ground pepper can become stale quickly.

* Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil

To create a flavorful Tomato and Bacon Jam, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (any variety, but plum or cherry work well), cored and chopped

• 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• *Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil

Note: The ingredients are listed in a way that matches the original prompt, with the optional ingredients marked clearly.

Preparing the Bacon Jam

Cooking the Bacon

Cooking the bacon is a crucial step in preparing the Tomato and **Bacon Jam** recipe. To begin, you will need to **cook 1/2 cup (115g) of diced bacon** over medium heat in a large skillet until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

It’s essential to note that the type of bacon used can impact the final flavor and texture of the jam. Some popular options include thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, thinly sliced black pepper bacon, or crispy pancetta.

While cooking, use a spatula to **stir the bacon frequently**, ensuring that it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. This step can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Once the bacon reaches your preferred texture, remove it from heat and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. This will help prevent any excess grease from entering the jam later on.

In a separate pan or skillet, you can start **preparing the onions** by cooking them in a small amount of oil over medium-low heat until they are translucent and fragrant. This step helps to caramelize the onions and brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the bacon.

As the onions cook, you can **add a pinch of salt** to bring out their flavors and help them caramelize more efficiently. Keep an eye on them, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired level of darkness and texture.

Now that both the bacon and onions are cooked, it’s time to combine them in a separate saucepan with some finely chopped tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. This mixture will be the base of our Tomato and Bacon Jam recipe.

Stir everything together over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the jam to thicken. You can help the process by mashing some of the tomatoes with a spoon or spatula to release their natural juices.

* 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1inch pieces

To begin preparing the bacon jam, start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cooking the bacon until it is crispy will release its oils and give your jam a rich flavor.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet, as this will be used for cooking the onions and garlic later in the recipe.

Discard any remaining bacon fat or wipe the skillet clean if needed before proceeding.

The next step is to cook the chopped onion until it is translucent and softened.

Add a pinch of salt to help bring out the natural sweetness in the onion as it cooks.

Cooking the onions slowly will allow them to caramelize and deepen their flavor, which is an essential component of your jam.

After the onions have cooked for about 10 minutes or until they are softened and lightly browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet.

Cook the garlic for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning or becoming too dark in color.

The aroma of the sautéed onion and garlic will fill your kitchen as you prepare the next step in making your tomato and bacon jam.

Continue by adding a pinch of brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic.

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

The spice blend will add depth and heat to your jam, while the brown sugar balances out the flavors and prevents them from becoming too acidic or sweet.

Next, add a can of crushed tomatoes to the skillet with the onion-garlic mixture and stir to combine.

The acidity in the tomatoes will help break down the onions and garlic, creating a smooth sauce that will thicken as it cooks.

Cook the tomato and onion mixture for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened into a rich jam-like consistency.

As the jam thickens, you may need to adjust the heat or add more crushed tomatoes to achieve the desired texture.

Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet with the tomato mixture and stir to combine.

The smoky flavor of the bacon will infuse the tomato jam with a savory taste that is perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish.

* 1 onion, finely chopped

To prepare the bacon jam, start by cooking 12 slices of bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Next, leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the saucepan and add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Cook the onion over medium heat until it is translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will take around 15-20 minutes, so be patient.

Once the onion is caramelized, add a pinch of salt to help bring out its natural sweetness and continue cooking for another minute or two. Then, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika, a teaspoon of brown sugar, and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine these ingredients with the onion and bacon fat.

Now it’s time to return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir it into the onion mixture. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

In order to prepare the bacon jam, it’s essential to start by cooking the diced bacon until it reaches a crispy golden brown.

Add the minced garlic to the pan with the cooked bacon and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

With a gentle stir, incorporate the minced garlic into the bacon mixture, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated with the savory goodness of garlic.

As you continue cooking the bacon jam, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan, bringing up all the caramelized bits and incorporating them back into the mix for added depth of flavor.

The key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture in your bacon jam is to cook it until the mixture has thickened, much like a reduction. This should take about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching or burning.

Assembling and Serving

Taking It All Together

To assemble the final dish, start by prehearing a large serving plate or platter.

Gather all the components, including the grilled pork tenderloin, roasted vegetables, tomato-bacon jam, and fresh herbs.

Begin by placing the sliced grilled pork tenderloin on the center of the serving plate.

Presentation Ideas:

• You can arrange the roasted vegetables around the pork, creating a colorful and visually appealing presentation.

• Use toothpicks or small flags to indicate which vegetables are roasted with different seasonings or herbs.

• Spoon the tomato-bacon jam alongside the pork tenderloin, allowing guests to help themselves to a dollop or two.

To take it all together, consider creating a small appetizer or snack by placing a dollop of the tomato-bacon jam on toasted bread or crackers, topped with crumbled bacon and fresh herbs.

* Cooked tomatoes

To assemble and serve cooked tomatoes, specifically as part of a tomato and bacon jam recipe, follow these steps:

Select a serving container or vessel that complements the flavors and presentation of the dish. For this recipe, consider using a small glass jar with a decorative lid, such as a jam jar or a sauce boat.

Transfer the cooked tomato mixture to the selected container, leaving about 1-2 cm at the top to allow for serving. The mixture should be still warm from cooking.

Spoon the bacon bits on top of the tomato mixture in a decorative pattern. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.

Allow the jam to cool slightly before serving, which will help prevent splatters when spooning it into individual servings. If desired, garnish with additional ingredients such as crumbled bacon, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

To serve, carefully remove the lid or cover from the container and place it on a serving table or buffet. The cooked tomatoes can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed up just before serving.

Offer accompanying bread or crackers for guests to scoop up the tomato and bacon mixture, or provide toasted baguette slices or crostini for a more rustic presentation. This recipe is versatile enough to pair with a variety of foods, such as grilled meats, cheeses, or even eggs and avocado toast.

* Crispy bacon jam

To assemble and serve **Crispy Bacon Jam**, start by toasting some crusty bread, such as baguette slices or ciabatta, until it’s lightly browned.

Mix the toasted bread with the warm Bacon Jam, ensuring each bite gets a good balance of the sweet and smoky flavors. You can also add some crumbled **feta cheese** on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Another option is to serve the Crispy Bacon Jam as a topping for various dishes, such as grilled meats like burgers or steaks, or even use it as a side dish for roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious served with **crostini** and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.

To make the Crispy Bacon Jam more substantial, you can serve it alongside some crackers or crudités, such as carrot sticks or cucumber slices. The crunchy texture of these accompaniments pairs nicely with the sweet and smoky flavor of the jam.

Additionally, you can also use the Crispy Bacon Jam as an ingredient in various recipes, like adding it to a salad for extra flavor or using it as a topping for baked potatoes or grilled portobello mushrooms. The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating this delicious spread into your meals.

In any case, be sure to serve the Crispy Bacon Jam while it’s still warm and at its most fragrant, so you can fully appreciate the aroma of the toasted bread and the smokiness of the bacon. Enjoy!

* Optional: crusty bread or crackers for serving

To assemble and serve the Tomato and Bacon Jam, follow these steps:

Begin by slicing a crusty bread or crackers into thin rounds to use as accompaniments.

You can also prepare some toothpicks or skewers for garnish with a cherry tomato or a piece of fresh basil on each pick.

Next, arrange the slices of bread or crackers on a serving platter or individual plates.

Spoon the Tomato and Bacon Jam generously over the bread, making sure to cover it evenly and leaving a small border around the edges.

You can also add some fresh basil leaves on top of the jam for added flavor and visual appeal.

Finally, garnish each serving with a cherry tomato or a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

This Tomato and Bacon Jam is perfect as a dip for crackers or bread, or use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or even pizzas.