Aunt Serena'S Chili Sauce
A flavorful and tangy chili sauce with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal for topping meats, sandwiches, or as a dip for spicy lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a dishpan.
- Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until thick.
- Pour into jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using jalapeños or serrano peppers instead of the standard hot peppers. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar by half a cup. Remember to adjust the salt gradually while cooking to avoid over-seasoning. Using fresh tomatoes is ideal, but canned tomatoes work well in a pinch. Tie the pickling spice tightly in cheesecloth to prevent it from breaking apart.
Serving Suggestions
This chili sauce is perfect as a condiment for burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meats. It also pairs beautifully with Raw Apple Salad to add a tangy contrast. Consider using it as a base for chili or as an ingredient in marinades. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for a flavorful dip, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chili sauce in sealed jars in a cool, dark place. It can last for up to a year if properly sealed. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a month. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its texture and prevent scorching.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Serena'S Chili Sauce contains roughly 868 calories, with 18g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (348% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2315mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
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 use frozen tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tomatoes if fresh ones are unavailable. Just thaw them and drain excess moisture before adding to the recipe. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still result in a delicious sauce.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can either increase or decrease the number of hot peppers used. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before chopping. Alternatively, adding more sugar can help balance out the heat.
Is this chili sauce suitable for canning?
Yes, this chili sauce can be canned if you follow safe canning practices. Ensure your jars are sterilized and hot when filling them. Process in a water bath for the recommended time for your altitude to ensure safety and longevity.
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).