Homemade Chili Sauce
Homemade chili sauce offers a rich, tangy, and spicy flavor profile with a hint of warmth from cinnamon and cloves, perfect for enhancing grilled meats or as a condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes, peppers, onions, and celery.
- Add the chopped vegetables to a large pot along with vinegar, salt, sugar, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Simmer the mixture for many hours until thickened.
- Pour the hot sauce into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture after simmering. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned tomatoes can be a substitute. Adjust the heat level by choosing milder or spicier peppers according to your taste. You can also experiment with herbs like oregano or basil to enhance the flavor profile, much like in classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade chili sauce is versatile and can be used as a condiment for grilled meats, tacos, or burgers. It also works well as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Consider pairing it with Everyday Salad for a fresh contrast or using it as a base for stews and soups.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of chili sauce in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator, where it will last for several weeks. To reheat, gently warm the sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Chili Sauce contains roughly 529 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% 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?
Yes, you can modify the amount of sugar to suit your taste. Start with less sugar and gradually add more until you reach your desired sweetness. Keep in mind that the flavors will blend as the sauce simmers.
How long does it take to simmer the chili sauce?
Simmering can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the desired thickness. Stir occasionally and check the consistency, allowing more time if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Is this chili sauce suitable for canning?
Yes, as long as you follow proper canning procedures. Ensure your jars are sterilized and seal them while the sauce is hot, allowing it to cool completely before storing. This will help maintain its quality for longer.
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).