Gwen'S Chili Sauce
Gwen's Chili Sauce offers a spicy, tangy flavor with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato pulp and juice ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, sliced thin ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 8 whole cloves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables until the celery is soft.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat to simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring frequently.
- Seal the hot sauce in sterilized jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the jalapeno before adding it to the sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can substitute the jalapeno with a sweet bell pepper. Using fresh tomato pulp will enhance the taste, but canned tomatoes can work in a pinch. Adjust the sugar to balance the acidity to your liking, and feel free to experiment with spices like cumin for additional depth.
Serving Suggestions
Gwen's Chili Sauce is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats, tacos, or as a zesty dip for tortilla chips. It pairs beautifully with Quick Baked Apples for a sweet and savory experience. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a base for chili dishes. You can also serve it alongside sandwiches or burgers for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili sauce in sterilized glass jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To freeze, pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This sauce also improves in flavor after a day, making it great for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gwen'S Chili Sauce contains roughly 259 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2375mg per serving (103% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of tomato pulp?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh tomatoes to make your own pulp. Simply blanch, peel, and blend them until smooth. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require additional cooking time to achieve the desired thickness in your chili sauce.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To adjust the spiciness, you can control the amount of jalapeno you include, or remove the seeds for a milder flavor. Alternatively, add more chili powder for a spicier kick. For a completely different flavor, consider using smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
Is it possible to can this chili sauce for long-term storage?
Absolutely! You can can this chili sauce using proper canning techniques. Ensure your jars are sterilized and filled while the sauce is hot. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude. This way, you can enjoy it for months to come!
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).