Grandmother'S Chili Sauce
Grandmother's Chili Sauce combines ripe tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and warming spices to create a tangy, sweet, and savory condiment perfect for enhancing grilled meats or tacos.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Briefly boil tomatoes to loosen skins.
- Peel and allow to cool.
- In a large saucepan, combine cider vinegar, sugar, canning salt, cinnamon, pepper, and ground cloves.
- Bring to a slow boil, stirring often.
- Add peeled tomatoes, chopped green peppers, and chopped onions.
- Simmer at a low boil until mixture thickens, which may take about 2 hours.
- Pour the hot sauce into sterilized pint canning jars.
- Adjust lids and process jars in a water bath for 15 minutes to seal.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Grandmother's Chili Sauce, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for added depth. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute, but adjust the sugar to taste. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during simmering.
Serving Suggestions
This chili sauce is perfect for elevating your favorite dishes, pairing beautifully with 'Can't Goof Homemade Bread' or as a condiment for grilled meats. Try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It also works well drizzled over tacos or mixed into chili for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of chili sauce in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 1-2 weeks for the best flavor. To reheat, pour the sauce into a saucepan and warm over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Chili Sauce contains roughly 1617 calories, with 27g protein, 282g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (279% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (261% of the Daily Value), and iron (130% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1073mg per serving (47% 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 adjust the sweetness of the chili sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar by half and taste as you go. You can always add more sugar later if needed. Remember, the sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar and the heat from the peppers, so adjust carefully to maintain flavor harmony.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as serrano or habanero, depending on your heat preference. Just remember to start small and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Is it possible to can this sauce safely?
Yes, this chili sauce can be safely canned using a water bath method. Make sure to use sterilized jars and process them for at least 15 minutes to ensure a proper seal. Always check the seals after cooling, and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use.
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).