Spicy Sauce
A vibrant, spicy sauce with tomato, chili, and lemon flavors, perfect for enhancing grilled meats or as a zesty dip, appealing to those who love bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and green pepper in oil until tender (about 4 minutes); stir often.
- Add tomato sauce, chili sauce, wine, and lemon slices.
- Bring to a boil; lower heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat; cool to room temperature and remove lemon slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, a tablespoon of brown sugar can balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. You could also substitute the red wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version, or use white wine for a different taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy sauce is perfect as a topping for grilled meats or as a dip for crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with Easy Raspberry Trifle for dessert. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or over pasta for a complete meal. For a more substantial dish, consider adding cooked beans or lentils to the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. This sauce also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Sauce contains roughly 142 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. Just remember to remove the lemon slices before storing, and reheat it gently before serving.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this spicy sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. However, if you are serving it with meat or cheese, be sure to use plant-based alternatives to keep the entire meal vegan.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To adjust the spiciness, you can modify the amount of chili sauce used or add fresh chopped chili peppers. If you find it too spicy, a bit of sugar or honey can help balance the heat, making it more palatable.
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).