I’ve got to admit, I’ve never been a really big fan of the bottled chili sauce. I much prefer the flavor of this chili sauce, which was adapted from a recipe from the American Heart Association, to the kind found in stores. There are enough veggies in it to give it something more than a glorified ketchup taste. It keeps well in the refrigerator for weeks, and you could freeze it if you wanted.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups (360 g) canned diced no-salt-added tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces, or 225 g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
- ½ cup (80 g) onion, chopped
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) celery, chopped
- ½ cup (75 g) green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) molasses
- ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon basil
- 1/8 teaspoon tarragon
- ½ cup (120 ml) cider vinegar
PREPARATION:
- Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 1½ hours or until the mixture is reduced to half its original volume.
YIELD: 48 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 20 g water
- 15 calories (2% from fat, 5% from protein, 94% from carbs)
- 0 g protein
- 0 g total fat
- 0 g saturated fat
- 0 g monounsaturated fat
- 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 4 g carbs
- 0 g fiber
- 3 g sugar
- 5 mg phosphorus
- 6 mg calcium
- 0 mg iron
- 28 mg sodium
- 52 mg potassium
- 39 IU vitamin A
- 0 mg ATE vitamin E
- 3 mg vitamin C
- 0 mg cholesterol
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Allow the chili sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.
- The sauce can be used as a condiment or added to recipes to enhance flavor. Enjoy!
Chili sauce typically starts with chili peppers as the primary ingredient. These peppers can range from mild to extremely hot, depending on personal preference. Common chili pepper varieties used in chili sauce include jalapeño, habanero, serrano, or cayenne. The peppers are often combined with vinegar, which provides the tanginess and helps preserve the sauce.
To add depth and complexity to the flavor, additional ingredients are often included in chili sauce recipes. These can include garlic, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, sugar, and various spices such as cumin, paprika, or coriander. The combination of these ingredients creates a well-balanced sauce with layers of heat, acidity, and savory notes.
Chili sauce can be prepared through various methods. Some recipes involve simmering the ingredients together to create a cooked sauce, while others may blend the ingredients raw for a fresh and vibrant flavor. Fermented chili sauces, such as sriracha, involve a fermentation process that enhances the flavor profile and adds a unique tang.
The uses for chili sauce are endless. It can be drizzled over tacos, burgers, or grilled meats to add a fiery kick. It can be mixed into stir-fries or noodle dishes for added heat and flavor. It also pairs well with appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings, providing a spicy dipping option. Chili sauce can even be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu, infusing them with its spicy essence.
Whether you prefer a mild heat or a scorching fire, there’s a chili sauce out there to suit your taste. Its versatility, bold flavor, and ability to enhance dishes make it a staple condiment in many kitchens worldwide. From homemade varieties to store-bought options, chili sauce offers a spicy and exciting addition to your culinary adventures.
