Canning Grandma's Chili Sauce

fresh red chilies

🥗Healthier: jalapeños

💰Cheaper: dried red chilies

Dried chilies are often more affordable and have a longer shelf life.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note while being a healthier option.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness with additional flavor.

fresh tomatoes

🥗Healthier: canned tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Canned tomatoes are convenient and often cheaper than fresh.

Prepare 16 cups of chopped peeled tomatoes, which is about 25 small tomatoes.

Chop 6 onions and 6 green bell peppers, and 2 red bell peppers.

Bring a pot of boiling water to blanch the tomatoes until the skin starts to split, then transfer them to ice water to cool.

Peel the tomatoes and dice them, placing them on a cutting board in a tray to catch the juice.

Combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and chopped peppers in a large pot.

Add 2 cups of white vinegar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 clove of finely chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of celery salt, 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds, and 1 tablespoon of salt to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a light boil and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

After 1.5 hours, add 1 teaspoon of allspice, 1 teaspoon of mace or nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the pot.

Cook for an additional 15 minutes, checking the consistency of the sauce.

Prepare canning jars by ensuring they are hot to prevent breakage when adding hot sauce.

Use a bubbler to remove air bubbles from the jars and wipe the rims with a clean cloth.

Seal the jars with lids and tighten them finger-tight.

Place the jars in a water bath canner, ensuring there is 1 inch of water above the jars, and bring to a boil.

Boil the jars for 20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the canner.

Allow the jars to cool and seal, then store them in the pantry.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: