Shortcut Chili Sauce
A flavorful, tangy chili sauce with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and a hint of spice, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, dipping, or as a condiment for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour salt over all ingredients and let stand overnight. Drain.
- Place the drained ingredients in a large kettle.
- Add 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons pickling spice (tied in cheesecloth), and 1 cup white vinegar to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Ladle the chili sauce into jars and seal.
- Process the jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Shortcut Chili Sauce, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium salt or substitute with a salt-free seasoning blend. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer to evaporate more liquid. Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
This chili sauce is perfect as a condiment for burgers, hot dogs, or as a flavorful dip for chips. It pairs beautifully with Joe Theismann'S Super Bowl Slaw for a fantastic party spread. You can also use it as a base for chili or stews, adding beans and meat for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili sauce in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, seal in sterilized jars and process in a boiling water bath as instructed. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shortcut Chili Sauce contains roughly 369 calories, with 10g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (648% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2661mg per serving (116% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh ones. Just ensure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your sauce. Using crushed or diced canned tomatoes will save you prep time and still yield a delicious result.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To make your chili sauce spicier, add more black pepper or include chopped fresh chili peppers when combining the ingredients. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking to achieve your desired heat level.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you might add, like sugar, are also vegan, as some sugars may be processed with bone char.
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).