Hot Chili Sauce
Hot chili sauce offers a vibrant blend of spicy peppers, sweet brown sugar, and tangy vinegar, making it a versatile condiment perfect for enhancing seafood, meats, or casual snacks. Its bold flavors suit those who enjoy a fiery, homemade sauce with a balanced sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes and dip into boiling water long enough to loosen skins.
- Remove skins and core, then cut up and place in a colander to drain.
- Save the drained juice.
- Put the drained tomatoes and juice in an 8-quart kettle and boil for about 30 minutes.
- Add chopped red hot peppers, chopped onions, salt, celery seed, brown sugar, and cider vinegar to the kettle.
- Cook moderately fast, stirring often until the sauce thickens to desired consistency, about 2 1/2 hours.
- Store the hot chili sauce in pint or half-pint jars.
- This sauce may also be served as a cocktail sauce on shrimp or oysters.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier sauce, consider using more red hot peppers or a combination of peppers. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of light brown sugar. Ensure the tomatoes are ripe for the best flavor. You can also substitute cider vinegar with white vinegar for a different tang. If you're short on time, using canned tomatoes can be a quick alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This hot chili sauce is versatile and can be used as a condiment for grilled meats, tacos, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with shrimp or oysters as a cocktail sauce. Serve it alongside chips or as a zesty addition to a charcuterie board. For a complete meal, consider serving it with 1-2-3 Green Bean Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store the hot chili sauce in sterilized pint or half-pint jars and seal tightly. Keep the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chili Sauce contains roughly 313 calories, with 3g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2241mg per serving (97% 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 spiciness of the hot chili sauce?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer red hot peppers according to your taste preference. For a milder sauce, consider removing the seeds from the peppers or using a less spicy variety.
How long will the hot chili sauce last?
When stored properly in sealed jars, the hot chili sauce can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month for the best flavor.
Can I use this sauce in recipes?
Absolutely! This hot chili sauce adds a flavorful kick to various dishes. Use it in marinades, like Steak Marinade For Barbecue, or as an ingredient in soups and stews for added depth. It's also great in dips or mixed with mayonnaise for a spicy spread.
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).