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Datil Pepper Jelly Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of datil peppers finely chopped and deseeded (about 30-35 peppers)
  • 1 cup of bell peppers finely chopped and deseeded (use red or orange for a vibrant color)
  • 1 ½ cups of apple cider vinegar
  • 6 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1 pouch 3 ounces of liquid pectin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of butter to reduce foaming

Instructions

  • Prepare the Datil Peppers: Wear gloves while handling Datil peppers as they can be extremely hot. Finely chop the datil and bell peppers, ensuring you remove all seeds to control the heat.
  • Cooking Peppers and Vinegar: In a large saucepan, combine the finely chopped peppers and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the peppers become soft.
  • Blending: Transfer the pepper-vinegar mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Be cautious of the fumes when opening the blender, as the heat from the peppers can be potent.
  • Straining the Mixture: Pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another saucepan. This step will give your jelly a smooth texture, removing any remaining solids.
  • Adding Sugar and Pectin: Stir in the granulated sugar and liquid pectin. Add a small amount of butter to reduce foaming. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
  • Boiling: Once it's boiling, continue to cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes or until the jelly reaches the desired consistency. To test the consistency, place a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's ready.
  • Canning Process: Carefully ladle the hot datil pepper jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean, place sterilized lids and bands, and screw them on tightly.
  • Water Bath Canning: Process the jars in a water bath canner for 5-10 minutes. The exact time depends on your altitude; consult a reliable source for altitude adjustments.
  • Cool and Seal: Remove the jars from the canner and allow them to cool at room temperature. As they cool, you'll hear the satisfying "pop" of the lid sealing, indicating a successful canning.
  • Label and Store: Once the jars are cool, label them with the date and contents. Store your datil pepper jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.