Gr. Aunt Frances' Celery Sauce

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min

A tangy and savory celery sauce made with ripe tomatoes, onions, and green peppers, perfect for preserving or as a flavorful condiment. Its balanced acidity and fresh vegetable flavors make it an excellent accompaniment for meats or as a spread. Suitable for those who enjoy homemade, hearty sauces.

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Ingredients

  • 12 large tomatoes
  • 2 large bunches celery
  • 10 to 12 onions
  • 2 large green peppers
  • 2 cups mild vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Peel the tomatoes and squeeze out the seeds.
  2. Mix all ingredients together and bring to a boil.
  3. Seal the mixture while hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes and celery before mixing with the other ingredients. If you prefer less acidity, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of mild vinegar. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste. Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This celery sauce is great served over grilled meats or as a topping for baked potatoes. Consider pairing it with homemade bread or serving it alongside Pickle And Onion Salad for a refreshing contrast. It also works well as a base for soups or stews, enhancing the overall flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover celery sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions. When reheating, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir well to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gr. Aunt Frances' Celery Sauce contains roughly 420 calories, with 6g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (240% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2375mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).

420 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 85.4g 31% DV
Fiber 7g 25% DV
Sugar 58.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2375.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 1458.7mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 255.7mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 216mg 100% DV
Calcium 182.4mg 14% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Choose whole canned tomatoes and drain them before using. The flavor may differ slightly, but they will still create a delicious sauce.

How can I adjust the spice level of this sauce?

If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference, tasting as you go.

Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it as part of your favorite vegan recipes without any modifications.

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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