Red Red Chili Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Cuisine: African

Red Red Chili Sauce offers a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile with rich tomato and onion notes, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip.

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Ingredients

  • 18 red tomatoes
  • 3 large onions
  • 1 red pepper
  • 2 green peppers
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 cups cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seed

Instructions

  1. Grind together the tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
  2. Add sugar and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Stir in vinegar and remaining ingredients. Cook for 40 minutes, until thick, stirring often.
  4. Remove the gauze bag containing the pickling spice. Fill sterilized jars.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes, onions, and peppers until finely pureed. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. Use any leftover sauce as a base for soups or stews, or try it with baked onion potatoes for a delicious twist.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is versatile and can be served as a condiment with grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon rolls (cake mix way) for a unique flavor contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside rice or quinoa and a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Red Red Chili Sauce in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in airtight containers, where it can last for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Red Red Chili Sauce contains roughly 475 calories, with 11g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (234% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2342mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

475 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.1g 22% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 116.8g 42% DV
Fiber 24.6g 88% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2342.4mg 100% DV
Potassium 1461.2mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 210.9mg 100% DV
Calcium 194.2mg 15% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 sauce?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your taste. However, keep in mind that sugar helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, try cutting the sugar by half and taste-testing as you go.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To increase the heat level, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking. You can also blend in some crushed red pepper flakes at the end of the cooking process, tasting as you go to achieve your desired spice level.

Is this recipe suitable for canning?

Yes, this Red Red Chili Sauce can be canned safely. Ensure you follow proper canning guidelines, including using sterilized jars and lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time to ensure they seal properly and are shelf-stable.

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).

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