Perfectly sweet with just a touch of heat Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam is delicious topping off bread & butter or your favorite PB&J. I use jam to make delicious homemade salad dressings too - it's so versatile!
For another great fall treat, try the Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter Recipe!
Here's how Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam came about. My hubby and I went for a walk in our neighborhood. Around the corner and about half a block away, our neighbors were unloading buckets and buckets of pomegranates!
Living here in the Central Valley makes for an abundance of fruits and vegetables all year long!
Anyway, back to our walk - you know I make friends wherever I go, so of course I struck up a conversation with the neighbors. Long story short, I came home with all of the pomegranates I could carry.
Big red orbs of deliciousness draped in my t-shirt which got completely stretched out of shape.
I was a happy gal!
My favorite thing I made with those pomegranates was this jam. I've made it several times now. I've played with the amount of "bam" in the jam and now like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this recipe is just right!
The "bam" in this recipe comes from chili powder and chili flakes. Not too much.... not too little. It took some experimenting.
The final jam is the perfect balance of sweet and warmth. It's not hot. It's not even spicy - the combination of spices adds a warmth to jam that is simply delicious!
To the pomegranate juice I added raspberries. The sweetness from the berries balances that light tart taste from the poms. Yep, this is my new favorite jam! It's low sugar too which makes it that much better.
It's a jam I shared with my family at Thanksgiving, I mean we had to have plenty of taste testing, right? Tough job, but somebody has to do it! 😉
If you want to make this jam to give as gifts, it's truly easy enough. If you want to save it until after the Holidays (and keep it all for yourself) you'll be happy you did! 😀
It's a wonderful jam to make in the winter. Pomegranates are in season at your market too - be sure to pin this one for after the craziness of the holidays.
This jam is delicious for toast & jam or PB&J's!
Serving suggestions
Did you know this? You can use jam to make the BEST homemade salad dressing. It adds a ton of flavor. Big shortcut and it tastes 100% better than what you buy at the store!
Here's one of my favorite recipes for salad vinaigrette. Instead of using marmalade just sub the pomegranate jam you made - yum!
I think you'll really love this Pomegranate Jelly Recipe - it's a delicious homemade jam that is packed with flavor.
Jam is a wonderful Hostess Gift and a great gift all year long! Everyone loves homemade gifts and one you can eat too, even better! YUM!
More Homemade Jam and Jellies to try!
- Orange Jelly - sweet sunshine in a jar!
- Apricot Pineapple Jam - so popular on the blog
- Strawberry Rhubarb Jam - this one is everyone's favorites!
To learn how make the BEST Homemade Jam please click here!
Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup mashed raspberries
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon butter optional - the butter will keep the jam from foaming.
- 1.75 oz low sugar Sure Jell Be sure to use the pink "low sugar" package
Instructions
- Juice the pomegranates. You'll need 3 ½ cups of juice. Depending on the size of the poms, you'll need about three. Measure out exactly 3 ½ cups.
- Clean the raspberries mash them well. You'll need exactly 1 cup.
- Place jars, rings and lids into a pan, cover with water, bring to a boil and boil for three minutes to sterlilize, keep warm.
- In a heavy stock pot, place the pomegranate juice, raspberries, chili powder, chili flakes, salt & butter (if using). Mix everything together well.
- Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Low Sugar Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the pomegranate/raspberries mixture. Mix well again and set it on the stove on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- When it comes to a hard boil (a hard boil is one you can't stir down with spoon) add the remaining sugar.
- Continue stirring constantly and return it to a boil and when it comes back to a hard boil, continue boiling it for exactly one minute. (Set a timer to make sure you get it for a full minute).
- Remove from the stove & immediately ladle into sterilized jars. Place lids on jars, screw on tightly. Process in a hot bath (boiling water) for 10 minutes to seal the jars.
- The seeds of the raspberries rise to the top of the jars. If you want to spread the seeds thru-out the jar, flip them over every 20 minutes for about an hour. As the jam begins to set & jell the seeds will be distributed thru-out the entire jar, rather than just at the top.
- Makes 6-7 eight oz. jars.
Patty Crawford says
I have white pomegranates. Can I make jelly out of white pomegranates? Is there any other fruits that I can use in the jelly? Thank you.
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Patty - what a treat, white pomegranates! You don't see those very often. Yes, you can make jam with these - so enjoy! As far as other fruit you can put with it, I haven't combined any, but I would think mango or papaya would pair well. Apple would also be delicious with a hint of cinnamon. I would not reduce the sugar in the jam or it could mold or spoil. Best of luck! Let me know how it turns out for you!
Marty says
Can a person use frozen raspberries for this recipe
Debra Clark says
Yes, frozen raspberries will work Marty. Enjoy!
Nicole says
Excited to try my neighbors tree is full this year! Dumb question, how do you juice the pomegranates? Do you mean just pick the seeds out and measure 3.5c of seeds? Thanks
Bowl Me Over says
That's a great question Nicole! To juice the pomegranates you will pick out the seeds and place them in a blender. Add a bit of water (1/4 cup or so) if necessary, then pulse the seeds a few times to break them apart and release their juice. Use a mesh strainer to strain the pomegranate liquid into a container. Press against the pulp with back of a spoon to gently to extract as much juice as possible. It takes a bit of time, but it's totally worth it. This jam is a real treat!!
Ninon Moore says
I invested in a heavy duty citus juicer. You cut the pomegranate in half and press the juice out. Very easy.
Bowl Me Over says
So smart Ninon! You will have so many other uses for the juicer. Enjoy the jam!!!
Kathy says
I made this jam today but substituted blueberries for the raspberries. It is delicious and the texture is perfect. I had never done anything with pomegranates before and your instructions were easy to follow. Thank you!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm so glad you enjoyed the jam! What a wonderful combination Kathy!!!
Elizabeth Pimentel Gogue says
Is the measurement of 1 cup of berries before or after mashed? Trying this tonight
Bowl Me Over says
The instructions read 1 cup mashed berries, so you'll want them mashed before measuring. This jam is outstanding, I'm so happy you're giving it a try!!
casaandrews says
This is the BEST BAM JAM I have ever had! Thank you sooo much for sharing. I too am in the Central Valley and my neighbors trees are loaded and only the birds get to enjoy them! So glad to have found your recipe! My adult children and I made this last year and we just made a triple batch this year. Our family and friends that got this last year asked for another jar! 😀
Bowl Me Over says
That's so great to hear! I love this jam, I agree it's so special! Thank you for letting me know, it made my day!
Jen says
Hi, Debra.
I love pomegranates, and when I moved to the CV foothills last year, I discovered a pomegranate tree/bush on the property where I live!
I always eat the arils straight. Is there any reason not to use the arils whole, with some volume adjustment of course, rather than just juice? Fiber is harder to come by, and I prefer to keep or add it as I can.
Thanks,
Jen
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Jen, what a great find, congrats!!! I love poms, I've never used them straight, my concern would be that it would be too bitter, but I'm guessing on that! I would try sub'ing 1 cup of arils for the juice. I think (not sure) that the seeds will affect how the jam sets up and it may be too thick. Having said that, if I had a bucket full of poms I'd definitely give it a try! Good luck Jen, let me know how your jam turns out!!
Jen says
Thanks, Debra. I'll try those ideas and let you know how I fare. Btw, the seeds of the Aprils aren't bitter at all, in my experience.
Jen
Bowl Me Over says
Yes! I agree they aren't bitter but after processing and making jam I think it could be. Can't wait to hear how it turns out!
Gloria Brentlinger says
Can you use regular sure jell ? I don’t have the low sugar one?
Debra Clark says
I haven't done this myself, but a friend made it with the regular sure-jell. She increased the sugar to 5 cups. Enjoy and let me know how it turns out for you!
Kesha says
I love this recipe! I actually replaced cranberries with this at Thanksgiving time. My family is not fans of cranberry sauce but they seem to like this instead.
Bowl Me Over says
What a wonderful idea Kesha! It's so delicious and such a versatile jam!
Muriel Parker-Kelly says
Hi, I just received a bag of pomegranates from a friend. your Bam Bam jam sound delicious. Can't wait to try this.
Can I make this in October for Christmas gifts, (shelf life)?
Thank you for sharing. Muriel
Bowl Me Over says
Most definitely Muriel! I've kept this on the shelf in the pantry for a year. You're good, it's a fabulous holiday gift!
Katie says
This recipe sounds so delicious! The chili powder and pepper flakes are throwing me off a little but I’m going to try it. We just got a bag full of pomegranates from a neighbor and I’m looking for ways to use them up. I’m also from the Central Valley and enjoy our abundance of fruits and veggies.
Bowl Me Over says
Katie don't let the chili powder and pepper flakes throw you - that's what gives this jam the "bam"! It's not an overpowering heat at all but having said that if you're not a spice person you can certainly leave it out. You'll love this jam! ps so happy pomegranate season is here!!!
Joey says
Back! I'm new to jammin' and i want to try this recipe but I'm confused. You say to use 3 1/2 c of pomegranate juice but then at the end you say to measure out exactly 5 cups. As I said I'm new...maybe I missed something?
Bowl Me Over says
Ooh! Thank you for bringing this to my attention Jeoy - you didn't miss anything...I did! You will need 3 1/2 cups pom juice - I've corrected the recipe to reflect this. It's such a yummy jam, I hope you make it and enjoy. Again, thank you!!!
Veena Azmanov says
I love that color!! I have so many jams till date but I am admit I have never made a Pomegranate jam.. I do love pomegranate so I must try. Thanks for the recipe
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you do try your hand at this, it's our new favorite!!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
Wow, interesting adding the chili! Think this would be perfect with cheese and crackers
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, perfect on peanut butter too!
Tara says
Yum! I have never tried pomegranate jam before. It sounds incredible and I just love that color!
Bowl Me Over says
Just so much flavor, I hope you give this Pom Jam a try Tara!
Sally - My Custard Pie says
I love the idea of an accent of spiciness with the pomegranate. Thanks for introducing me to 'bam'! Well worth stretching a t-shirt for I would say.
Bowl Me Over says
The bit of spice adds a great warmth to the jam, I hope you give it a try we love it!
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
Oh my goodness, you hit the jackpot with that pomegranate haul! I'm so jealous! This jam looks amazing - I love the zing from the chili flakes - and as someone who spends all day reading rhyming books to my toddler, the title made me smile. 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Haha, thanks Julie! I think I was channeling the Flintstones when I named it, I was thinking Bam Bam 😀
easypeasylifematters says
What a fun twist on jam! Sounds so yummy! 🙂
Julie says
I love pomegranates but honestly haven't ever done much with them. I would love a smear of this jam with a big ole slice of toast in the morning!
Bowl Me Over says
I know Julie - they can be kind of intimidating. I hope this gives you a great idea. Happy HOlidays to you!
Janet Vinyard says
Hi Debra, What a beautiful ruby-red jam that would make perfect Christmas gifts! Thanks for sharing this interesting recipe! Blessings, Janet
Bowl Me Over says
Such a beautiful jam and so delicious - I hope you give it a try and make this recipe Janet. I think you'll really enjoy it. Merry Christmas to you!
Healing Tomato says
I have been a fan of making jam for a long time, but, I have never tried making it with Pomegranate. This looks amazing and I love that you called it Bam Bam Pomegranate. It couldn't be me applicable. Great recipe, Deb.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Rini! It is an amazing jam and I hope you really enjoy it (there's a jar tucked in a car package headed your way!) Happy Holidays to you!
Liza says
Wow! This looks SO GOOD! And pomegranate is very healthy for us! I'd never think about making a pomegranate jam but after seeing all these beautiful pics I am so inspired to make it so it looks just like this!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Liza! This jam is so lovely, I gave away 8 jars this weekend for gifts - super delicious too - enjoy!!
Carol says
I am in Canada-imported pomegranates. Do you think Icould use pom juice?
By the way, I couldn't bear to throw out the keftover vinegar mixture from the sweet/hot pepoers so I use on veggie stirfrirs. So good.
Bowl Me Over says
I think you could. I went to the Pom Wonderful site and it says you can sub 100% - http://www.pomwonderful.com click here to check it out. The "worst" thing that would happen is it wouldn't set up quite firm enough and you'd have syrup vs. jam. I will try and make some next week and report back also! Let me know how yours turns out Carol