Shirley Sauce
A flavorful homemade tomato-based sauce with onions, green pepper, and celery, perfect for canning and adding a tangy, savory touch to various dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel tomatoes and cut them finely.
- Chop onion, green pepper, and celery.
- Combine vegetables in a pan and add vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 hour.
- Bottle the hot sauce into sterilized canning jars while the mixture is hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture before bottling. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, canned tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce. Consider adding spices like cayenne or paprika for a bit of heat, which can elevate this sauce's flavor profile. This recipe aligns well with American recipes that celebrate bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Shirley Sauce is versatile and can be used as a condiment for grilled meats or as a base for stews. It pairs beautifully with Barbecued Sirloin Roast or can enhance dishes like Ham 'N Broccoli. Serve it alongside a cheese platter or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for added flavor. It's also a great addition to sandwiches or burgers.
Storage & Reheating
Store the bottled sauce in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and use it within a month for the best flavor. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It can also be microwaved in a covered dish, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shirley Sauce contains roughly 450 calories, with 7g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1739mg per serving (76% 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 different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots or zucchini. Just ensure they are finely chopped so they cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to accommodate any denser vegetables to achieve the right consistency and flavor.
How long does this sauce last in the pantry?
If properly canned, the sauce should last up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, it should be consumed within a month when refrigerated. Always check for signs of spoilage before using, such as off smells or mold.
Is this sauce suitable for canning?
Yes, this sauce is ideal for canning. Make sure to use sterilized jars and follow safe canning practices. This ensures the sauce remains safe to eat and retains its flavor. Always check for proper sealing after bottling, and store in a cool place.
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).