Chili Sauce(Heritage Recipe)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Heritage chili sauce combines ripe tomatoes, sweet green peppers, and aromatic spices to deliver a rich, tangy flavor profile. Perfect for enhancing grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce, it offers a nostalgic homemade touch that suits those who enjoy bold, savory condiments with a hint of sweetness and spice.

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Ingredients

  • 4 qt. peeled, cored, chopped ripe tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 c. chopped sweet green peppers
  • 2 c. chopped onion
  • 1 to 1 1/2 c. cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. celery seed
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tsp. ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 1 to 2 hours.
  3. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your chili sauce, consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder sauce, substitute some of the green peppers with more tomatoes. Make sure to stir frequently as it simmers to prevent sticking. Using fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also elevate the taste. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This chili sauce makes a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats and can be served as a dip with tortilla chips. It pairs beautifully with Macaroni-Ham Salad for a hearty meal. Try drizzling it over burgers or using it as a condiment for sandwiches. For a vegetarian option, serve it with roasted vegetables or as a filling for stuffed peppers.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to six months. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chili Sauce(Heritage Recipe) contains roughly 154 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

154 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 3.5g 5% DV
Carbs 36.3g 13% DV
Fiber 11.2g 40% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 217.4mg 9% DV
Potassium 497.4mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 17.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 36.1mg 40% DV
Calcium 162.2mg 12% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 can this chili sauce for long-term storage?

Yes, you can can this chili sauce using a water bath canning method. Make sure to follow proper canning guidelines to ensure safety. Fill sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace, and process in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude. Always check seals after cooling before storing.

What can I substitute for cider vinegar?

If you don’t have cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar as a substitute. Both will provide acidity, but white vinegar is sharper while red wine vinegar adds a slight sweetness. Adjust the sugar in the recipe if you want to balance the flavors based on your vinegar choice.

How can I thicken my chili sauce if it’s too runny?

If your chili sauce is too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook until thickened.

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).

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