Zucchini Jam

 Ingredients: -1 kg zucchini, peeled and seeded -1 kg sugar - pulp from 1 orange or just juice, according to preference -1/3 teaspoon grated lemon zest, optional and according to preference

To prepare a delicious zucchini and orange jam, start by peeling the zucchinis and removing their seeds. Cut them into suitable cubes, keeping in mind that during the cooking process, their volume will reduce by almost half. Once the zucchinis are cut, place them in a large pot specifically designed for making jam. Add sugar over the zucchinis and mix well, so that the sugar is evenly distributed. This mixture should sit aside for 5-6 hours or ideally overnight. This will allow the zucchinis to release their juice, and the sugar to start melting, forming a natural syrup.

During this time, stir occasionally to ensure an even dissolution of the sugar. This way, the sweet flavor of the zucchinis will be intensified. Meanwhile, prepare the orange. Peel it and blend it until you get a fine paste. Alternatively, you can choose to use just the juice, which will contribute to obtaining a clear and aromatic syrup. Add the orange puree or juice to the pot with zucchinis and sugar.

After combining the ingredients, place the pot over medium heat and boil the mixture for about 30-45 minutes. It is essential to stir constantly to avoid the mixture sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking. About 30 minutes after you start boiling, perform a consistency test to check if the syrup is thick enough. This can be done by dropping a spoonful of syrup onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape, the jam is almost ready.

Five minutes before finishing cooking, add grated lemon zest, optionally, depending on your preferences, to provide an extra touch of acidity and freshness. Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, pour it hot into sterilized jars, ensuring that they are properly cleaned to prevent contamination. Seal the jars immediately after filling and leave them upside down on the lid, wrapped in blankets, until they cool completely. This method helps create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh for a long time. After they have cooled, label the jars and store them in the pantry, ready to be enjoyed at any time of the year. This zucchini and orange jam will add a unique and delicious touch to breakfast or desserts.

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