This recipe is my jam. It calls for only two simple ingredients: antioxidant-rich blueberries and chia seeds, which boast omega-3 fats.
Yield: 6tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 20 minutesmins
Ingredients
½cupblueberries, fresh or frozen
2teaspoonschia seeds
Instructions
Microwave blueberries for about 60 seconds to soften and let natural juices seep out.
Remove from microwave (be careful, it’ll be hot), and mash the larger pieces with a fork or the back of a spoon. This will help breakup some of the larger chunks.
Stir in chia seeds and allow to set on the counter or in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to gel.
Store jam in an airtight container with a lid in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Notes
• I absolutely love making chia jam with all sorts of fruit combinations! So far, I’ve whipped up blueberry, raspberry, cherry, and strawberry jams. Each fruit brings its own level of sweetness, so you may need to experiment with adding a little honey. I find the strawberry chia jam a bit on the tart side, so I like to add a touch of honey to balance it out.• The recipe can easily be scaled up or down. If you’re making a big batch, be sure to use a deep bowl to avoid any potential overspill from bubbling.
For 2 cups of fruit, use 1½ tablespoons of chia seeds and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Let it set for at least 30 minutes.
For 4 cups of fruit, use 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and let it set for at least 45 minutes.
• To make on stovetop: Add your blueberries (fresh or frozen) to a small pan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes (on the longer end for frozen berries), stirring occasionally until the berries break down and release their juices. Mash blueberries with a fork as they soften. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in chia seeds. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature—it will begin to thicken and form a gel. Transfer to an airtight container and stash in the fridge; it will continue to thicken. It will keep in the fridge for up to 10 days.• To store jam, place in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 10 days.• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to carefully read the packaging for each ingredient. While these foods are inherently gluten-free, gluten can sometimes be added during processing for a variety of reasons, including for flavor and consistency.• Similarly, if you’re dairy-free, check the ingredient list carefully for any hidden milk products.
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.