Think of Transylvania and its cuisine may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But our guests always return praising the array of fresh, homemade dishes they enjoy on our journeys.
A firm favourite is a visit to Anca and Charlie’s house in the Saxon village of Saschiz. Here we often enjoy a feast of Varza a la Cluj, a hearty cabbage dish accompanied by sweet chilli jam.
Some time ago she shared her Varza a la Cluj recipe and now she has shared with us her chilli jam secrets.
Ingredients
This quantity is for 16 jars of jam. It can be scaled to make more or less.
- 1 kg hot chillies, chopped
- 1 kg sugar
- 1 litre vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Method
- Bring the vinegar to a boil then add the sugar. Leave to boil for 20 minutes.
- Add the chopped chillies and leave to simmer for around two hours.
- Once thickened, mix with a hand blender until you have a smooth paste.
- Take the mixture off the heat and stir in the honey.
- Put the jam in jars, turn them upside-down for five minutes then turn upright and let cool overnight.
If you’d like to try Anca’s homemade chilli jam along with a whole host of fresh, organic Romanian dishes, join us on a journey through Transylvania. Drop us a line to find out more.
