Grandma'S "Best" Chili Sauce
Grandma's 'Best' Chili Sauce offers a robust blend of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, creating a flavorful condiment perfect for enhancing meats, sandwiches, or as a dip. Its sweet and savory notes appeal to those who love homemade, hearty sauces with a touch of warmth and spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and chop the tomatoes coarsely.
- Grind the onions and green peppers together.
- Mash the garlic with salt.
- Tie the whole cloves and pickling spice in a cheesecloth bag.
- Combine all ingredients in a large kettle and heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture is thick.
- Ladle into hot jars and seal at once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, include a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper. Using fresh herbs like oregano or basil can elevate the taste as well. If you have canned tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them for fresh tomatoes, adjusting the sugar to balance acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili sauce over grilled meats or as a flavorful dip for chips. It pairs beautifully with Forever Cole Slaw for a refreshing contrast. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or in sandwiches. For a complete meal, try it alongside Rice Pilaf or with a side of cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week. This chili sauce also freezes well; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S "Best" Chili Sauce contains roughly 198 calories, with 2g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% 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?
Absolutely! This chili sauce actually tastes better when made a day or two in advance, as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat when ready to use.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, reduce the sugar gradually while cooking until you reach your desired taste. Alternatively, you can add a little more vinegar or lemon juice to counteract the sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this chili sauce can be canned. Ensure that you follow safe canning practices, including sterilizing jars and processing them in a boiling water bath for the recommended time to prevent spoilage.
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).