Aunt Susan'S "Chili Sauce"
A rich, savory chili sauce with a hint of spice and garlic, perfect for dipping, topping, or enhancing comfort foods with bold flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbly.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, and garlic powder; cook until blended.
- Pour in tomato juice and water, stirring well.
- Cook until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This chili sauce is perfect for topping tacos, burritos, or nachos. It pairs beautifully with Picante Cornbread for a hearty meal. Serve alongside grilled meats or as a dip for tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a refreshing salad or rice to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Susan'S "Chili Sauce" contains roughly 807 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2176mg per serving (95% 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 make this chili sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this chili sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even tastier when reheated.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This chili sauce is already vegetarian. Ensure that you use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor if desired. It's perfect for any vegetarian recipes you might be preparing.
How can I adjust the spiciness of this sauce?
To adjust the spiciness, you can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder used. For a milder sauce, reduce the chili powder and add more garlic powder. Conversely, for extra heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
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).