If blueberries are totally your jam then you’ll like this Roasted Blueberry + Chia Seed Jam recipe. It’s super easy to make, super flavorful, and healthier than store bought jams and jellies (bonus!).
This recipe only calls for three ingredients, which you may already have in your kitchen. So you could be jam-ready in no time!
Not to mention, blueberries are a powerhouse superfood filled with a ton of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (aka free radical fighters!).
For the jam you’ll need:
- fresh blueberries
- maple syrup
- chia seeds
And of course a pinch of salt.
Traditionally, homemade jams are simmered on the stove until thickened, but we’re taking a different approach here. We are roasting the berries in the oven. Say what!?
Roasting fruit!…
Most of us have had roasted apples in our lifetime (think apple pie). But, if you have never had other roasted fruit before, I highly recommend.
Roasting fruit, just like roasting anything, concentrates the flavors. And it’s also less mess than simmering fruit on the stove. In fact, it’s no mess at all with this technique.
Roasting fruit is a revelation!
To roast the berries, you just pop them onto a parchment lined sheet pan after tossing with a little maple, and roast at 400° for 20ish minutes. This enhances the flavor and softens them into a jammy consistency. Cue music!
I also like to roast strawberries, raspberries, and even plums and cherries. Check out my recipe for Oatmeal with Roasted Summer Fruit.
Try this recipe with raspberries, blackberries or a combo
Chia seeds…
After you roast the bluebs, time for chi- chi- chi- chia seeds. Ok, in case you’re wondering, that’s from the wacky chia pet commercial from back in the day. But I digress..
Chia seeds are another “superfood” in this recipe. They are packed with protein, healthy fats, nutrients and also have antioxidants.
Stir in chia seeds after roasting
Not only do the chia seeds add extra nutrients to this recipe, they naturally thicken the jam.
Most store-bought jams and jellies are thickened with pectin, a naturally occurring fiber found in fruits and veggies. But we’re letting the chia seeds work their magic here.
Just stir these little guys into the blueberries after you roast and slightly smash them. And I go with white chia seeds here, but you can use white or black chia seeds.
And that’s it, it’s that simple! Just toss, roast, smash and you have jam ready to enjoy any which way you choose.
Think beyond toast…
Sure, Roasted Blueberry Chia Jam is great on toast, but there are so many other fun ways to use this recipe.
- spread it on buttered toast
- top ice cream
- stir into yogurt
- add to oatmeal
- on ricotta bruschetta
- make PB&J (duh!)
- in my PB&J Cups recipe
If you try my recipe for Roasted Blueberry Chia Jam I’d love to know what you think and how you like to use it, so feel free to comment below. And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more recipes and cooking tips!
Like berries? Try these recipes…
Strawberry + Avocado Salad (vegan, GF)
Mixed Berry Crisp (vegan, GF)
Everything Chocolate Cups (vegan, GF)
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servings
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- 2 cups fresh blueberries (1 pint) washed and dried well
- 2 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Ingredients
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- heat oven to 400° and line a small sheet pan with parchment baking paper
- in a medium bowl toss blueberries with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt, then spread onto prepared pan and roast for 20-22 minutes (berries should be soft and “burst” easily when pressed)
- let berries cool a few minutes, then gently mash with a spoon or fork to create a jam-like consistency (this can be done on the baking pan), then stir in the chia seeds
- allow jam to cool completely then place into an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to a week
- enjoy jam on toast, PB&J, stirred into yogurt, over ice cream and more!
Recipe makes about 8 oz (1 cup) of jam
Original recipe created by Jerran Boyer
www.healthnutchefs.com