Mild Picante Sauce
A flavorful, mildly spicy tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, garlic, and savory seasonings, perfect for adding zest to various dishes and suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 qt. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 qt. diced peppers ⓘ
- 3 qt. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 5 hot peppers, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 4 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chopped tomatoes until soft.
- Add diced peppers, chopped onions, hot peppers, garlic, sugar, salt, vinegar, garlic salt, celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
- Cook until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is done.
- Pour into hot jars and seal properly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients after cooking. You can substitute white sugar with honey or agave for a different sweetness. If you prefer more heat, add additional chopped hot peppers or a dash of cayenne. This recipe can also be adjusted by using different types of vinegar or adding herbs like cilantro for extra flavor. Pair with Margaritas By The Gallon for a refreshing drink.
Serving Suggestions
This mild picante sauce is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos. It also pairs beautifully with Spicy Skillet Chicken or can be used as a base for various Mexican recipes. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or use it to enhance your favorite grilled meats for a flavorful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover picante sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the sauce following proper canning techniques. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mild Picante Sauce contains roughly 1053 calories, with 20g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (252% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and potassium (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 reduce the sugar in the picante sauce?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste. However, keep in mind that sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar, so reducing it might alter the flavor slightly. Experiment with less sugar and adjust based on your preference.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To increase the spiciness of your picante sauce, add more hot peppers or include a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different varieties of hot peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos, to achieve your desired heat level.
Is it possible to freeze the picante sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the picante sauce! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).