Ripe Tomato Chili Sauce
A vibrant, tangy chili sauce crafted from ripe tomatoes, onions, peppers, and apples, perfect for adding bold flavor to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Ingredients
- 30 to 35 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 7 medium onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 head celery, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped fine ⓘ
- 4 to 5 apples, peeled and chopped fine
- 6 cups white vinegar ⓘ
- 5 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons coarse salt ⓘ
- 1 cup mixed pickling spice (tied in cheesecloth bag) ⓘ
Instructions
- Put tomatoes, onions, celery, peppers, and apples in a large pot.
- Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil and then simmer until thick, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Store the hot sauce in clean, glass jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier sauce, consider adding jalapeños or your favorite chili peppers. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly. To save time, use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones, but adjust the vinegar accordingly. Mixing in some roasted garlic can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. This sauce is versatile and can be used in various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Ripe Tomato Chili Sauce is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats, especially with Slow Cooked Pork. It can also be served alongside Easy Rolls (Or Bread) for dipping. Consider pairing it with a light salad or Cabbage And Carrot Casserole(Low In Calories) for a well-rounded meal. It can also be used as a base for soups and stews.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled chili sauce in clean, sterilized glass jars. Keep them sealed tightly and refrigerate if you plan to use them within a few weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in airtight containers. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ripe Tomato Chili Sauce contains roughly 354 calories, with 8g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (267% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% 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 can this chili sauce for longer shelf life?
Yes, you can can this chili sauce. Ensure that you follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing your jars and lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for at least 15 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly. This will allow you to store the sauce for up to a year in a cool, dark place.
What can I substitute for white vinegar?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Each will impart a unique taste to the sauce, with apple cider vinegar adding a slight sweetness and red wine vinegar providing a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that the acidity level should remain similar for safety in canning.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, continue simmering it uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or extra vinegar to thin it out. Another option is to mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
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).