Bush Tomato and Quandong Jam with Native Peppercorns

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sweet and tangy Australian jam blending bush tomatoes and quandongs with a subtle peppercorn kick, perfect for cheese boards or toast. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers dried bush tomatoes, dried quandongs, water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 200 g dried bush tomatoes and 150 g dried quandongs in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until fruit softens.
  2. Step 2: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the softened fruit into a chunky pulp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp crushed native peppercorns, and 1 tbsp pectin powder. Return to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. Allow to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
  5. Step 5: Serve this unique jam with crusty bread, cheeses, or grilled meats for an authentic taste of native Australian produce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bush Tomato and Quandong Jam with Native Peppercorns take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Bush Tomato and Quandong Jam with Native Peppercorns?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bush Tomato and Quandong Jam with Native Peppercorns?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bush Tomato and Quandong Jam with Native Peppercorns for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bush Tomato and Quandong Jam with Native Peppercorns?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Equipment for this recipe

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