Celery Sauce
A vibrant, tangy sauce made from ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, red peppers, and celery, perfect for adding flavor to meats or as a condiment. Its balanced sweetness and acidity make it a versatile choice for those who enjoy rich, homemade sauces with depth and freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put tomatoes, onions, and peppers through a food chopper.
- Combine the chopped mixture with salt, vinegar, sugar, and finely cut celery.
- Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens, which takes about all day.
- Pour the hot sauce into jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider blending the mixture after cooking, or use a food processor for chopping. If you're low on sugar, you can substitute with a natural sweetener like agave syrup. Adjust the salt based on your preference or use a Salt Substitute for a healthier option. Cooking the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so patience is key.
Serving Suggestions
This celery sauce is versatile and can be served as a condiment for grilled meats or as a base for pasta dishes. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Salad Dressing For Green Vegetables. Try it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a dip with crusty bread. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Honey Mustard Dressing(Great Christmas Gift!) during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled sauce in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, a splash of water can help achieve the desired consistency when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Sauce contains roughly 851 calories, with 15g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (271% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. However, choose a good quality brand without added preservatives. Drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery, and adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired thickness.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your celery sauce, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice tolerance. You can also serve the sauce with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this celery sauce can be canned for longer storage. Ensure you follow proper canning guidelines, including sterilizing jars and using a water bath for processing. Check local resources for safe canning practices, and always leave appropriate headspace in jars to allow for expansion during processing.
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).