Zesty & Tangy Tomato Jam

I’m a strong believer that ketchup BELONGS on eggs. It’s a fact, and I will die on this side of the debate. Sure, hot sauce is always necessary. A dash of tabasco is lovely, but nothing beats the sweet, salty, and acidic drizzle of ketchup with buttery soft-scrambled eggs.

Now…ketchup on toast? NOT IDEAL. This tomato jam takes everything that’s perfect about ketchup on eggs and brings it up a notch. It’s thick and jammy and perfect to spread on toast or crackers. Pomegranate molasses sweetens the jam (like any jam should) with a tang. Citric acid may be in your bottle of ketchup, but not in this jam- we use lemon juice to bring the acidity that is absolutely essential. Of course, we season our food here, so cinnamon, aleppo pepper, and sumac are added for some flair.

Simmer, place in a jar, and spread on everything! Enjoy!

Zesty & Tangy Tomato Jam

Time: about 30 minutes

Yield: 16 oz (about 2 cups)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound heirloom tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar (or regular sugar)

• juice of 1 lemon

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon sumac

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Begin by rinsing your heirloom tomatoes. Remove the stems and the core. Chop them into even chunks and set aside.

2. Add the tomatoes to a saucepot. To the pot also add the pomegranate molasses (this is essential and will add the tangy flavor), sugar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Aleppo pepper, sumac, and cinnamon. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt, to begin with, and adjust per your taste.

3. Stir everything to coat and heat under medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes stirring frequently. Once the tomatoes begin to soften and liquefy, remove the lid and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the jam reduces by half (and thickens).

4. Once the jam has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning (salt/pepper) per your taste.

5. Let cool and pour into an airtight jar. Refrigerate and add to your toast, breakfast tacos, or charcuterie boards.

6. Dive in!