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Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam (Instant Pot & Open Pot Method)

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Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam is a 2 ingredient jam made using just berries and Chia seeds/ Basil Seeds. Any type of berries can be used here like blueberry, raspberry, strawberry or blackberries. This jam is pectin free and is suitable for most diet types i.e. low-carb, paleo,  gluten-free, dairy-free and whole 30.

Blueberry chia jam spread on a rice cracker. Seen are 2 bottles of jar filled with jam along with some berries spread across.

I like to make different jams with fruits in season. Once you are hooked to making jam at home you just keep on making it and there is no turning back. I have a few jam recipes coming up. Until then you can check my Pectin Free Homemade Mix Fruit Jam.

How to enjoy Berry Chia Jam?

This pectin free Blueberry Basil seeds jam can be enjoyed as a spread on anything, like crackers, flatbreads, bread etc. It can even be topped up on your Granola for your morning breakfast or as a topping for your dessert. Have you checked our homemade Oil-Free and Egg-Less Granola Recipe?

Instant Pot or Open Pot

The jam can be done as quickly as 10-15 minutes in an open pot or an Instant Pot. I have made it in both and it is done quickly in both. The open pot needs a bit of babysitting as it needs to be stirred in between. 

If one uses an Instant pot no babysitting is required while the berries are being cooked while pressure cooking. Just add the berries to the Instant pot and pressure cook it for 5 minutes, with 1-2 minutes of sauteing and you are sorted.

Blueberry chia jam spread on a rice cracker. Seen are 2 bottles of jar filled with jam along with some berries spread across.

Fresh or Frozen berries to use for Berry Chia Jam?

This jam is easy to cook and can be made using fresh or frozen berries. As fresh berries are in season I have used the fresh ones, but one can use frozen ones too.

Chia Seeds or Basil Seeds?

Chia and Basil seeds are different. Basil seeds also called Tukmaria or Sabja in Hindi are black, tiny and round while chia seeds are oval and a bit larger. I have used both in the recipe one at a time and one can use any available.

Shelf Life of Berry Chia Jam

As this jam is preservative-free and does not contain any pectin or even lemon, the shelf life is a maximum of 15 days when refrigerated under proper conditions. So do not make a huge batch of this. Make small batches and enjoy. 

It is said that this Jam can be frozen for a year, but I have not done that yet so cannot comment on it.

Top view of Jam filled in a glass bottle

Type of Berries to use?

As said, one can use any type of berries here. Blueberry, raspberry, Strawberry or blackberries. I have not tried gooseberries yet, but I think it might need a bit of sugar. One can even use a mix of berries in this recipe.

Can any other fruits be used?

Ideally, any type of juicy fruit will work in this chia seed jam. Fruits like peach, pineapple, plum, apple will all work.  I have yet to try.

Can one add Sugar?

This jam is complete without sugar, so it might not suit everyone’s taste buds. Like my husband, he did not enjoy it but my son enjoyed it. One can add sugar to this if required. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar for every 1 cup of berries. Again it will depend on the sharpness and the taste of berries too. Some are not naturally sweet at times.

Jam filled in a glass bottle. Seen in the background is a loaf of bread a coffee mug.

Type of Sweetener to use?

Any type of sweetener can be used like granulated sugar, Demerara Sugar, Brown Sugar, Jaggery, Stevia, Honey, Maple Syrup etc.

Can one add flavorings?

Different flavours can be added to this chia seed jam. Lemon peel, juice, cinnamon, nutmeg or fresh basil. The possibilities are endless.

Blueberry chia jam spread on a rice cracker. Seen are 2 bottles of jar filled with jam along with some berries spread across.

Recipe Process of Berry Chia Jam in Open Pot Method

Add the berries to a heavy bottom pan and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. While simmering, gently break down the berries. The berries should turn soft. Switch off and add the Chia or Basil seeds to it. The jam will begin to thicken and attain a jelly-like structure. Let it cool completely before filling in a sterilised glass jar. I have not added any water here.

Recipe Process of Berry Chia Jam in Instant Pot Method

Add the berries to the inner vessel of the Instant pot. Gently crush the berries with a potato masher so that they release some water and also helps in cooking. I am adding a tablespoon of water here just so that it does not burn. But it is not necessary as the berries release water.

Pressure cook on sealing mode for 5 minutes. Once the pressure has settled and the pin dropped open the lid. Now switch on in sautee mode. Lightly crush the berries if required and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add the chia/Basil seeds and switch them off. Let it cool completely before filling in a sterilised glass jar.

Blueberry chia jam spread on a rice cracker. Seen are 2 bottles of jar filled with jam along with some berries spread across.

Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam (Instant Pot & Open Pot Method)

Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam is a low-carb, dairy-free 2 ingredient jam made using just berries and Chia seeds/ Basil Seeds.
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Course: Condiments
Keyword: Fruits, Preserves / Jams, Seeds, Sugar Free
Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of Blueberry Around 2 Cups
  • 2 tablespoon of Chia/Basil Seeds
  • 2 spoon of water Optional

Instructions

Open Pot Method

  • Rinse the blueberries well.
    Fresh Blueberries
  • In a heavy bottom pot add the berries.
  • Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
    Simmering of Blueberries
  • While simmering, gently break down the berries.
  • The berries should turn soft after 10-15 minutes.
    Blueberries cooked
  • Switch off and add the Chia or Basil seeds to it.
    Adding of Chia Seeds
  • Give it a nice mix.
  • The jam will begin to thicken and attain a jelly-like structure.

Instant Pot Method

  • Rinse the blueberries well.
  • Add the berries to the inner vessel of the Instant pot.
  • Gently crush the berries with a potato masher.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of water. (This is optional, I just added it so that it does not get burned. But it is not necessary as the berries release water.)
  • Pressure cook on sealing mode for 5 minutes.
  • Once the pressure has settled and the pin dropped open the lid.
  • Now switch the Instant pot in saute mode.
  • Lightly crush the berries if required and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  • Switch the Instant pot off and add the Chia or Basil seeds to it.
  • Give it a nice mix.
  • The jam will begin to thicken and attain a jelly-like structure.
  • Let it cool completely before filling in a sterilized glass jar.
  • Keep refrigerated and consume within 15 days.

Video

Notes

  • Any berries can be used.
  • The proportion of ingredients is a rough guide. One can change the proportion.
  • One can add sugar to this too. For every 1 cup of berries add 2 tablespoons of sugar.
 
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