Recipe: Gooseberry Jam served with Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes

by Amy Mei Wood

Who else was excited to open their box this week to see gooseberries? Take this easy and classic preparation that works with almost any berry fruit and try it in unexpected recipes. You can certainly spread some of this jam on toast or spoon it over a slice of pie, but also consider using it in your weeknight dinner, such as a Swedish-inspired dish like meatballs, mashed potatoes, and jam. 

The gooseberries add a wonderfully sweet, but subtle flavor, and turn nice and pulpy as it cooks into jam. Just be sure to watch your pot carefully towards the end, as the jam can quickly turn into a burnt, caramelized mess! 

Recipe

Ingredients: approximately 220g gooseberries, papery skins removed (this is about what I received in my box) 1/2 cup water 1T white vinegar 140g sugar   To make a weeknight dinner out of this, whip up your favorite meatball and mashed potato recipe and plate with a drizzle of the gooseberry jam on the side.

 

Instructions: 1.     In a pot over medium-high heat, place your gooseberries, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil and let it cook, covered, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  2.     Remove lid, turn heat to low, and add sugar. Stir constantly for about 7-8 minutes while it simmers to allow sugar to dissolve completely and absorb into the berries.  3.     Turn heat back to medium and let it bubble, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the consistency becomes jelly-like. Be sure to monitor your pot constantly during this step!  4.     Immediately pour the jelly out of the hot pan into a room-temperature bowl or sanitized jar (if storing). Let cool then serve with your meatballs and mashed potatoes!    Tips & Tricks: Sweet or Savory Uses for Gooseberries Want to try your berries in a different way? Here are some alternative options for incorporating them into either a savory dish or a dessert: ·  Sweet: Use warmed jam over a slice of lemon pie, ice cream, or on toast ·  Sweet: Gooseberry Pie! You may need more gooseberries than just the box we receive in a week, so think about saving the berries from 2-3 weeks before making a pie. Or make a mini pie. ·  Sweet: Make a cocktail or mocktail with crushed gooseberries. ·  Savory: Incorporate savory spices into the jam recipe above and turn it into a chutney-style sauce, to be used in a weeknight dinner.  ·  Savory: Pickled gooseberries ·  Savory: Incorporate your gooseberries into a salad, perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.