Short-Cut Chili Sauce
A flavorful homemade chili sauce with rich tomato, vegetable, and spice notes, perfect for adding a tangy kick to meats, sandwiches, or snacks. Suitable for all spice lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Hand cut the tomatoes, celery, onions, and peppers.
- Boil together the tomatoes, celery, onions, and peppers for 10 minutes.
- Add salt and let stand overnight.
- Drain in a colander without pressing.
- Return the drained vegetables to the pan.
- Add sugar, brown sugar, vinegar, and pepper to the mixture.
- Place the pickling spices, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a spice bag.
- Add the spice bag to the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Can the hot sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture after boiling. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute white sugar with honey or agave for a more natural sweetness. Ensure to use fresh, high-quality vegetables for optimal flavor. This sauce can also be adapted for American recipes by adjusting the spices to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this versatile chili sauce as a condiment for grilled meats or as a zesty topping for burgers and hot dogs. It pairs beautifully with Joanna'S Monkey Bread for a unique flavor experience. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Strawberry Onion Salad, to balance the spice.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage, lasting up to six months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short-Cut Chili Sauce contains roughly 1193 calories, with 9g protein, 265g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1019mg per serving (44% 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 long-term storage?
Yes, you can safely can this chili sauce using proper canning methods. Ensure your jars are sterilized and filled while the sauce is hot. Process in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude to ensure shelf stability.
What can I use instead of vinegar?
If you're looking for a substitute for vinegar, you can use lemon juice or lime juice. These will provide a similar acidity and brightness to the sauce. However, be mindful that they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How can I adjust the heat level of this sauce?
To adjust the heat level, you can add more or fewer pickling spices or include fresh or dried chili peppers to the mixture. For a milder version, remove the seeds from any peppers you add, or try using sweeter bell peppers instead.
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).