Get ready to delight your taste buds with my Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam! This healthy spread uses simple ingredients to create a tasty treat that’s perfect for toast, pancakes, or even yogurt. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s a fun way to enjoy breakfast or snacks. In this post, I’ll guide you through the easy steps, helpful tips, and delicious variations to make your jam shine. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity: This jam bursts with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, making it a delightful addition to any breakfast or snack.
- Healthy Ingredients: With coconut milk and chia seeds, this jam is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and healthy fats.
- Easy to Make: In just a little over an hour, you can create this homemade jam with minimal effort and simple ingredients.
- Versatile Use: This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, topping yogurt, or drizzling over pancakes for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ingredient Benefits
Strawberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants. They help your heart and skin. Coconut milk adds creaminess and healthy fats. It can boost your energy. Chia seeds are tiny but powerful. They give fiber, protein, and omega-3s. Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness and flavor. They are better than white sugar. Vanilla extract brings a warm flavor to the jam. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances all the tastes.
Alternative Sweeteners
If you want to try something else, you can use agave nectar. It is sweet and low on the glycemic index. Brown rice syrup offers a mild sweetness and works well too. You can also skip the sweetener if you prefer a less sweet jam. Just add a bit more fruit for flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need fresh strawberries, coconut milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This jam is quick to make, taking about 10 minutes of prep time.
Cooking the Strawberry Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, coconut milk, and maple syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the strawberries to soften and release their juices. This step fills your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
Finalizing the Jam
Once the strawberries have cooked, take the saucepan off the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the chia seeds, vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined. Now, let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the chia seeds to swell and thicken the jam. After it thickens, transfer the jam to a clean jar. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Enjoy your Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam on toast, yogurt, or pancakes!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To get the best texture, let the jam sit. After mixing in the chia seeds, wait 10 minutes. This lets the seeds absorb liquid. If it feels too thick, add a splash of coconut milk. For a thinner jam, stir in more coconut milk slowly. Always taste as you go.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds brightness to the sweet jam. For a tropical twist, mix in some shredded coconut. You can also add spices like cinnamon or ginger for warmth. Each change can bring a new taste!
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam is great on many things. Spread it on toast for breakfast. Top your yogurt or oatmeal for a tasty snack. It also works well on pancakes or waffles. Try it in smoothies for extra flavor. Serve it in a cute jar with a strawberry on top for a nice touch!
Pro Tips
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Using ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor of your jam, making it sweeter and more delicious.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey based on your taste preference and the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed fruit jam, or a dash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Storage Tips: Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should last for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Variations
Different Fruit Combinations
You can switch up the strawberries in this jam. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each fruit adds its own sweet taste and unique color. Mix different fruits for a fun twist! For example, blend strawberries and blueberries for a berry jam. The more fruits you try, the more flavors you’ll discover.
Sugar-Free Options
If you want a sugar-free jam, skip the maple syrup or honey. Instead, use ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness. They make the jam tasty without added sugar. You can also use stevia or monk fruit to keep it sweet and light. Just add a little at a time until you reach the sweetness you like.
Flavor Infusions
To give your jam extra taste, try adding spices or extracts. Cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. A splash of almond extract can give a sweet twist. For a tropical flair, add a bit of lime or orange zest. These little changes can make your jam feel new and exciting. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite mix!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam fresh, store it in a clean glass jar. Make sure the jar has a tight-fitting lid. This helps keep out air and moisture. Keep the jam in the fridge to maintain its taste and texture. Before using, always check for any signs of spoilage.
Shelf Life
When stored correctly, your jam lasts about one week in the fridge. After this time, it may start to lose its flavor and freshness. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the jam. This keeps bacteria from getting in and helps it last longer.
Freezing for Extended Use
If you want to keep the jam for longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the jam into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top. This space allows the jam to expand when it freezes. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your delicious jam any time you like!
FAQs
How long does Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam last in the fridge?
Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight jar. The longer it sits, the thicker it may get. If you see any mold, throw it away.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them first. They may release more juice, so you might need to cook them a bit longer. The flavor will still be great!
Is it possible to substitute chia seeds with another ingredient?
You can use ground flaxseeds as a substitute for chia seeds. They will also thicken the jam. However, the texture will be different. You won’t get the same gel-like feel, but it will still taste good.
This blog post covered how to make Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam. We looked at key ingredients, their benefits, and alternative sweeteners. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. You can explore different fruit combinations and enjoy this jam in many ways.
In closing, making your jam can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your creations. Happy jam-making!
