Quince jam with walnut

Quince and Walnut Jam - Simple and Delicious Recipe

Making quince and walnut jam is a true art, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. The quinces, with their sweet-sour aroma, transform into a delight that can be enjoyed on toast or as a filling for pastries. This simple jam recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring back cherished memories, especially if you learned it from your grandmother. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: Approximately 4 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 1.2 kg quinces (weighed after removing the cores and seeds)
- 600 g sugar
- 150 ml water
- 200 g walnut kernels
- 1 lemon (sliced or diced)

Necessary utensils

- Large grater
- A large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sterilized jars (approximately 4 of 400 g)

Preparing the quince jam

Step 1: Preparing the quinces

First of all, wash the quinces well under a stream of cold water to remove the fuzz from their skin. This step is essential for obtaining a clean and tasty jam. Once the quinces are clean, cut them in half to remove the cores and seeds. Using the grater, grate the quinces to obtain a paste that will be the base of our jam.

Step 2: Boiling

In a large pot, add the quince paste, sugar, and water. Bring everything to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. At first, the mixture will seem watery, but after a few minutes, it will start to thicken. It is important to be attentive and not let the mixture boil too long, as excessive boiling destroys vitamins and loses the natural aroma of the quinces.

Step 3: Adding walnuts and lemon

When the jam starts to thicken, it’s time to add the walnut kernels and lemon slices. The walnuts, with their crunchy texture, bring a pleasant contrast and a special flavor to this jam. Continue boiling for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Checking the consistency

To check if the jam is ready, place 2-3 teaspoons on a plate and let them cool slightly. If, after cooling, the jam has thickened and does not run, then it’s perfect! If not, let it boil for a few more minutes and repeat the test.

Step 5: Bottling

When the jam is ready, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. While the jam cools, make sure that our jars are well sterilized and dry. Fill the jars with the warm jam, leaving a little space for expansion. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely.

Useful tips

- Choosing quinces: Choose firm quinces without spots or bruises. Smaller quinces are often more flavorful.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. If you like less sweet jams, you can reduce the sugar to 500 g.
- Walnuts: You can use roasted walnuts for an even more intense flavor. Make sure to cool them before adding them to the jam.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients, such as cinnamon or ginger, to give your jam an even richer flavor.
- Storing the jam: This jam can be stored in the pantry for a year, but once opened, it is recommended to consume it within a few weeks.

Delicious combinations

This quince and walnut jam pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or pancakes. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for yogurt. Additionally, enjoying it with a fragrant tea will make the experience even more pleasant.

Nutritional benefits

Quinces are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, making them excellent for the immune system and digestive health. Walnuts add healthy fats, protein, and are a good source of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Why doesn’t my jam set? You may have used overripe quinces or boiled the jam too long. Make sure the quinces are fresh and respect the boiling time.
- Can I use something other than walnuts? Of course! You can replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios to vary the flavor of the jam.
- How can I check if the jam is sterilized? A simple way is to turn the jar upside down; if it doesn’t leak, it is correctly sterilized.

Quince and walnut jam is not just a recipe, but an experience full of tradition and love. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy every spoonful!