Quick Chili Sauce
A vibrant, spicy chili sauce with tomato, celery, and onion flavors, perfect for adding a zesty kick to meats, tacos, or grilled vegetables. Suitable for casual and festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix tomatoes, celery, onions, and green pepper in a heavy skillet; bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, pepper, allspice, and salt.
- Add the spice mixture and vinegar to the first mixture.
- Simmer the sauce, stirring often, for 30 minutes or until thick.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. If you don't have allspice, a mix of nutmeg and cloves can work as a substitute. Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference; it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This sauce can also be used as a base for other recipes, like a chili or stew.
Serving Suggestions
This quick chili sauce makes a fantastic condiment for grilled meats or as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with roasted corn salad or can be served over rice for a simple meal. For a flavorful twist, use it as a topping for baked potatoes or pour it over nachos for a delicious snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chili Sauce contains roughly 328 calories, with 4g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1857mg per serving (81% 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 4-5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes will work. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they break down and thicken properly.
Is this sauce spicy?
This sauce is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like some heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
How long does it take to make this sauce?
The total time to make this quick chili sauce is about 50 minutes, including preparation and cooking. It's a simple and efficient recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight.
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).