Aunt Jan'S Chili Sauce
A tangy, spicy chili sauce packed with tomatoes, peppers, and warm spices, perfect for adding bold flavor to meats, sandwiches, or as a condiment for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 7 to 8 qt. tomatoes
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 hot red peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp. powdered cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp. powdered nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. powdered cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. powdered allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. thyme
- 1/8 tsp. caraway seed
- 1/8 tsp. powdered ginger ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove the skin from the ham.
- Add the chili sauce 45 minutes before the ham is finished cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the peppers before chopping them. If you prefer a sweeter chili sauce, you can increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. For a milder sauce, reduce the number of hot red peppers. This sauce works well with meats like ham, similar to how you would use it in a Paul Horning Stew.
Serving Suggestions
This chili sauce is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats or as a topping for burgers. It also pairs beautifully with Little Smokies In Glaze Sauce for a party platter. Serve it alongside cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. It can also enhance the flavor of sandwiches or wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to six months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling to retain flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Jan'S Chili Sauce contains roughly 468 calories, with 23g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (193% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and iron (105% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 46g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili sauce in advance?
Yes, this chili sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and develop further, enhancing its overall taste.
Is this chili sauce spicy?
The level of spiciness in this chili sauce depends on the number of hot red peppers you use. For a mild version, consider omitting the hot peppers or using fewer. Even without the heat, the sauce remains flavorful and aromatic.
What dishes can I use this chili sauce with?
This chili sauce is versatile and can be used with a variety of dishes. It's excellent as a glaze for roasted meats, a topping for burgers, or even mixed into baked beans. It can also elevate simple dishes like scrambled eggs or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).