Grandma'S Sweet Chili Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Grandma's Sweet Chili Sauce offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for dipping, glazing, or adding a flavorful kick to various dishes. Suitable for all taste preferences.

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Ingredients

  • 4 qt. tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 3 large green peppers, chopped
  • 1 pt. vinegar
  • 3 c. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. salt

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, cook down tomatoes, onions, and peppers until reduced over medium heat.
  2. While reducing, simmer the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan.
  3. When vegetables are reduced to desired consistency, mix in the remaining sauce from the small saucepan.
  4. Cook over low heat.
  5. When water separates out to the top, it's done!

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, allow the tomatoes, onions, and peppers to reduce longer. If you don't have vinegar on hand, lemon juice can be a nice substitute for a tangy flavor. Adjust the sugar to your taste; you can use brown sugar for a deeper sweetness. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during the simmering process.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Chili Sauce makes a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats or as a dip for appetizers. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Barbecue Ribs or can be drizzled over Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade for an extra flavor boost. Serve it alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Sweet Chili Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or extra vinegar to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Sweet Chili Sauce contains roughly 1371 calories, with 14g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (364% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2190mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

1371 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.5g 29% DV
Total Fat 48.6g 62% DV
Carbs 200.1g 73% DV
Fiber 7.1g 25% DV
Sugar 129.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2189.5mg 95% DV
Potassium 1428.2mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 148.1mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 327.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 515.6mg 40% DV
Iron 8.2mg 46% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 if fresh ones are unavailable. Opt for whole canned tomatoes, and crush them before adding to the saucepan. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

To adjust the sweetness, start with the recommended amount of sugar and taste as you go. You can always add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Alternatively, you can reduce the sugar if you like a more savory flavor profile. Just be cautious, as this may affect the overall balance.

Is this sauce suitable for canning?

Yes, this Sweet Chili Sauce can be canned for long-term storage. Ensure you follow proper canning guidelines to maintain food safety. Be sure to process the jars in a water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude to ensure they seal properly.

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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