If you’re looking for a condiment that brings bold flavor, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of tang, this Chili Sauce recipe is about to become your new go-to. There’s something magical about watching a pot of ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, and aromatic spices transform into a richly colored, velvety sauce right on your stovetop. Whether you’re spooning it over grilled meats, swirling it into stews, or jazzing up a sandwich, this homemade Chili Sauce delivers a vibrant punch that store-bought versions can only dream of. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in building those deep, complex layers of flavor. From juicy tomatoes to warming spices, every element in this recipe makes a difference—so don’t skip a thing!
- Ripe tomatoes: The foundation of any great Chili Sauce; use fresh, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Large onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and helps round out the sauce’s savory notes.
- Red bell pepper: Brings both color and a subtle, fruity sweetness that lifts the entire sauce.
- Garlic: Two cloves add a subtle but unmistakable depth—don’t be shy with the garlic!
- Apple cider vinegar: This gives the Chili Sauce its signature tang and helps balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: For a touch of caramel-like sweetness and that glossy finish.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors and bringing harmony to the sauce.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of intrigue.
- Ground allspice: Offers subtle spiciness and depth—just enough to make people wonder what your secret is.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way, adding a touch of aromatic sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a bit of heat—add as much or as little as you dare!
How to Make Chili Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Fresh Ingredients
Start by adding your chopped tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to a large saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a lively boil. This first step fills your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of veggies and garlic mingling together. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking—watch as the vegetables soften and the mixture starts to thicken, hinting at the Chili Sauce magic to come!
Step 2: Add Vinegar, Sugar, and Spices
Now it’s time to build those bold flavors. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. This combination is what gives Chili Sauce its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy personality. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 30 to 40 minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and the colors deepening into that classic, inviting hue.
Step 3: Puree Until Smooth
Once your sauce has reached a lovely, thick consistency and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to make it silky. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for easy cleanup, or carefully transfer the mixture to a stand blender in batches. Blend until completely smooth—this step gives Chili Sauce that irresistible, pourable texture. If you prefer an ultra-smooth finish, you can also strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve at this point.
Step 4: Final Simmer for Flavor
Pour the blended sauce back into your saucepan and let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes. This final step helps all the flavors come together in perfect harmony. The result? A glossy, deeply flavored Chili Sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then ladle it into sterilized jars or containers. This recipe yields about 2½ cups—plenty to enjoy now and save for later. Store your Chili Sauce in the fridge or freezer, and get ready to add a burst of flavor to all your favorite dishes!
How to Serve Chili Sauce
Garnishes
Chili Sauce is delicious on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, cilantro, or even thinly sliced green onions—can make every serving pop with color and freshness. For a little crunch, try a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots. The right garnish turns a simple spoonful into a showstopper!
Side Dishes
This Chili Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even spoon it over fluffy rice. It also makes a fantastic dip for fries or a zesty companion to your favorite veggie burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to think outside the jar! Swirl Chili Sauce into hummus, drizzle it over avocado toast, or use it as a topping for scrambled eggs. For a fun party trick, offer it as a dipping sauce alongside a platter of roasted meats, cheeses, or fresh bread—watch your guests come back for seconds (and thirds)!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chili Sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or sterilized jar. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to serve for maximum freshness, and you’ll have a ready-made condiment whenever you need a flavor lift.
Freezing
If you want to save some Chili Sauce for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight whenever you’re ready for more.
Reheating
To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems a little thick after thawing, add a splash of water or vinegar to loosen it up. Your Chili Sauce will be just as delicious as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, use high-quality canned tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them well before chopping, and you may want to reduce the simmering time slightly since canned tomatoes have less moisture.
Is this Chili Sauce very spicy?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted according to your heat preference. Without it, the sauce is mild and family-friendly, but feel free to turn up the heat for a spicier kick.
Can I double the recipe for canning?
Yes, this Chili Sauce recipe doubles beautifully! Just use a larger pot and be sure to simmer a bit longer if needed for the larger volume. Always follow proper canning procedures if you plan to store it long-term at room temperature.
How can I make the sauce even smoother?
If you love a super-smooth texture, strain your blended Chili Sauce through a fine mesh sieve before the final simmer. This will remove any seeds or bits of skin for an ultra-velvety finish.
What dishes does this Chili Sauce pair with?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! Try it on burgers, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for fries and appetizers. It also works as a base for marinades or to add zing to stews and soups.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about homemade Chili Sauce—it’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and let it become your secret weapon in the kitchen. Trust me, one taste and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2½ cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade vegan chili sauce is a flavorful condiment made from ripe tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to meats, burgers, or using as a base for sauces and marinades, this sauce offers a balanced blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes. Made on the stovetop and simmered to perfection, it yields a smooth, thick sauce that’s ideal for everyday use and can be stored for future meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
Sweeteners
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the vegetables: In a large saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped tomatoes, finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the mixture begins to thicken.
- Add vinegar, sugar, and spices: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, salt, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper if using. Continue simmering for another 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness and flavor concentration.
- Puree the sauce: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a blender. Puree the mixture until smooth, achieving a consistent texture for the sauce.
- Simmer to blend flavors: Return the pureed sauce to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Transfer to sterilized jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- The chili sauce can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months without any loss of flavor.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve after pureeing.
- Use this versatile sauce as a condiment for grilled meats, burgers, or as a flavorful base for various sauces and marinades.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
