"Chilla" Sauce
A tangy, sweet tomato sauce with green peppers, onions, and warm spices—perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping, and delightfully versatile for any kitchen craving a depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes.
- Place tomatoes in a large pan.
- Pour boiling water over the tomatoes to scald them.
- Core and peel the tomatoes.
- Squeeze out the juice and remove as many seeds as possible.
- Run the tomatoes through a food processor to chop them.
- Transfer the chopped tomatoes to a large, heavy pan.
- Clean the green peppers and onions.
- Chop the peppers and onions in a food processor.
- Add the chopped peppers and onions to the pan with tomatoes.
- Add sugar, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pickling salt.
- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens (about 4 hours).
- Fill clean jars with the hot mixture.
- Process the jars for 15 minutes in a hot water bath canner.
- Let the jars cool undisturbed on the counter until a good seal is achieved.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer and stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if you prefer a milder flavor. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or other chili peppers. Using Italian tomatoes helps achieve the desired consistency faster, as they are meatier and have fewer seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Chilla sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a topping for burgers. It can also be used as a base for soups or stews. For a refreshing side, serve it alongside a salad, like a Four Grain Salad or Ward'S Green Salad. This versatile sauce is perfect for enhancing your Mediterranean recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chilla sauce in a cool, dark place once sealed. If opened, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This sauce also freezes well; just leave some space in the containers for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Chilla" Sauce contains roughly 762 calories, with 12g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (284% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 32g 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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative. Look for high-quality crushed or diced tomatoes to mimic the fresh flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as canned tomatoes may require less time to thicken.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To modify the sweetness, simply reduce the amount of sugar or substitute with honey or agave syrup. You can also add more vinegar to balance the flavors if it becomes too sweet.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this chilla sauce is perfect for canning. Follow the instructions carefully, ensuring to process the jars for 15 minutes in a hot water bath canner to ensure a proper seal and shelf stability.
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).