Grandma'S Chili Sauce
A savory and slightly sweet homemade chili sauce with fresh tomatoes, onions, and green peppers, perfect for adding bold flavor to meats, sandwiches, or as a condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil celery, onions, and green pepper in a small amount of water for 30 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Let the mixture bubble for 20 minutes.
- Add sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Continue to boil for 5 minutes.
- Put the hot mixture into jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Grandma's Chili Sauce, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or garlic for extra depth. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can substitute honey for sugar. For a spicier kick, include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if you're using low-sodium ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This chili sauce pairs beautifully with Union Mills Cole Slaw for a delightful meal. Serve it hot over grilled meats, or use it as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers. It can also be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips or poured over baked potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or a fresh garden salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili sauce in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in portion-sized containers. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Chili Sauce contains roughly 567 calories, with 8g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (239% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1321mg per serving (57% 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 for convenience. Just make sure to drain excess liquid to maintain the right consistency. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as canned tomatoes are already cooked, allowing you to focus on melding the flavors of the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it doesn't contain any animal products. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add, such as sugar, are vegan-friendly. You can also boost the flavor by incorporating more vegetables or even some vegan Worcestershire sauce.
How spicy is this chili sauce?
This chili sauce is mild, allowing the sweetness of the tomatoes and other vegetables to shine. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process to achieve your desired heat level.
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).