best homemade chili sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best homemade chili sauce recipe

I’ve always been passionate about cooking, and one of my favorite recipes to make is homemade chili sauce. It’s a staple in our household, and I love how it brings everyone together. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for them to get involved.

We use it as a condiment for our meals, and it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. I’ve experimented with various ingredients over the years, but this recipe remains my go-to. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. My family and I have been enjoying this recipe for years, and I’m excited to share it with you today. The history of chili sauce is fascinating, with its origins dating back to the early 19th century when European traders brought back spices from Asia.

Over time, it has evolved into the delicious condiment we know today. In this recipe, we’ll focus on creating a classic version that’s both flavorful and healthy. One of the key techniques is using fresh ingredients to ensure the best possible taste and texture.

By doing so, we can avoid preservatives and artificial flavorings that often come with store-bought alternatives. This recipe uses a combination of onions, garlic, ginger, and jalapenos to create a rich and spicy flavor profile. The acidity from the vinegar helps balance out the heat from the peppers, making it perfect for those who like a little kick without overpowering their taste buds.

Best Homemade Chili Sauce

4.7 from 1152 votes

This homemade chili sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, perfect for adding a kick to burgers, hot dogs, or fries. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together in under an hour and beats any store-bought version.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 2 cupsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal per 2 tablespoons

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 red chili peppers (such as Fresno or red jalapeño), finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers to the pan.
4Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6Stir in the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
7Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
8Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a ketchup-like consistency.
9The sauce should reduce by about one-third and coat the back of a spoon.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chili sauce cool for 10 minutes.
11Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
12The flavors will meld and deepen as it sits.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Glass jar or airtight container for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 3g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For a smoother sauce, blend the finished sauce with an immersion blender or in a countertop blender until desired consistency. For extra heat, leave the seeds in the chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This sauce also works well as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or as a base for barbecue sauce.

Watch Video Of How Best Homemade Chili Sauce Works

This homemade chili sauce recipe has become a staple in our household, perfect for daily meals or special occasions like family gatherings. Its rich flavor profile pairs well with various dishes, from tacos to grilled meats.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can adjust the level of heat to suit your taste preferences. Plus, using fresh ingredients ensures that you’re getting the best possible flavor without any artificial additives.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Sauce

Q: What is the origin of chili sauce?

Chili sauce has its roots in Asia, where traders brought back spices in the early 19th century. Over time, it evolved into various regional styles.

Q: Can I adjust the level of heat in this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit some of the jalapenos or substitute them with milder peppers like Anaheim or bell peppers.

Q: How do I store leftover chili sauce?

Store any leftover chili sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

No! Fresh tomatoes are essential for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in this recipe.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe is vegan-friendly; however, be sure to check your specific ingredient sources for any animal-derived products.

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