Tomato Jam: Your New Favorite Condiment

Tomato jam is a condiment that’s rapidly gaining popularity in contemporary culinary circles, though its history stretches back for centuries. This bright and tangy jam, with its deeply satisfying sweetness, is a testament to the magical transformation that happens when tomatoes are cooked down to their sweet, concentrated essence. It's no wonder that this preserving method has stayed throughout the centuries. Here at Girl Meets Dirt, we offer our very own Tomato Jam, lovingly made from island-grown tomatoes, which we're confident you will find irresistible.

Preserves with a Past: The History of Tomato Jam

Tomato jam might sound strange to you- but we promise it’s delicious. It’s been described as “a cross between marmalade and ketchup,” but we think the result is a lot more complex and refined than either! In the Southern United States, tomato jam rose to popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with home cooks finding creative ways to preserve the abundance of tomatoes during the summer months.

The Versatility of Tomato Jam

The real beauty of our Tomato Jam lies in its versatility. Its unique flavor profile lends itself well to so many flavor pairings, adding a savory-sweet boost that can transform meals, cheese boards, appetizers, and breakfasts from average to exceptional. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Grilled meats and fish: Use Tomato Jam as a glaze for grilled meats or fish. Its tangy sweetness beautifully offsets smoky, grilled flavors.
2. Pizza: Drizzle Tomato Jam on pizza for a delicious twist- especially any pizza with Italian sausage!
3. Eggs: Stir into scrambled eggs alongside goat cheese in the last few seconds before they finish cooking for a savory and delicious breakfast!
4. Charcuterie and cheese boards: Combine Tomato Jam with fresh mozzarella ciliegine, a beautiful burrata, cream cheese, goat cheese, sopressata or prosciutto for a simple yet luxurious grazing board spread.

A Couple Tomato Jam Recipes to Try

Tomato Jam Breakfast Sandwich Supreme

Kick-start your morning with a breakfast sandwich that's far from ordinary. Our Tomato Jam Breakfast Sandwich Supreme is a flavor-packed feast designed to delight your taste buds and fuel your day. It features crispy bacon, a perfectly fried egg, melted cheese, and a generous smear of our delectable Tomato Jam all stacked high on a toasted English muffin.

Ingredients:

• 1 English muffin
• 2 strips of bacon (can be vegan bacon or turkey bacon!)
• 1 large egg
• 1 slice of sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Girl Meets Dirt Tomato Jam
• A handful of arugula or other favorite greens
• Optional: Thinly sliced red onions or pickled jalapeños for an added kick

Method:

1. Fry your bacon strips in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
2. Cut your English muffin in half and lightly toast it until golden brown. This ensures a perfect crunch with every bite!
3. Get the pan you cooked the bacon in (with bacon fat still in there) ripping hot. If using vegan or turkey bacon, add olive oil- you’ll need a fair amount of fat to truly fry the egg. Crack your egg into the pan and fry, holding the pan at an angle with an oven mitt (and preferably long sleeves!) and using a spoon to baste the eggs in bacon fat until the whites are fried to a frilly, golden brown texture but the yolk is still runny. Sprinkle with salt and lots of freshly ground pepper.
4. Just before your egg is done, lay the slice of cheddar on top of the egg. Cover your pan for a moment to allow the cheese to melt over the egg.
5. Spread a generous amount of our Tomato Jam on both halves of your toasted English muffin. On the bottom half, layer your crispy bacon, followed by the cheesy fried egg. If you're using optional extras like sliced onions or pickled jalapeños, add them now. Top it off with a handful of arugula or your chosen greens, then place the other half of the English muffin on top.

There you have it, a Tomato Jam Breakfast Sandwich Supreme, a towering treat full of flavor, ready to be devoured!

Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Toast

One easy and delicious way to enjoy our Tomato Jam is to make a Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Toast. Here's a simple, scalable recipe for a delicious lunch, breakfast, appetizer, or just plain old snack:

Ingredients:

• Nice, crusty sourdough or French-style country bread
• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Whole garlic clove, peeled
• Girl Meets Dirt Tomato Jam
• Fresh basil leaves
• Good olive oil
• Flaky salt
• Optional: Splash of balsamic vinegar

Method:

1. Brush olive oil on your sliced bread, both sides. Rub the raw garlic clove against the bread on one side.
2. Grill or sear your bread in a pan until golden brown
3. Place a few slices of fresh mozzarella on the toast
4. Spread a generous amount of our Tomato Jam on top
5. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky salt, and an optional drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

Tomato Jam is a unique and tasty addition to your pantry – a delightful surprise for the uninitiated and a comfort-food staple for those in the know. It’s an old-world delight that feels right at home in modern kitchens. Try our Tomato Jam today, and discover a new flavor adventure!