Tomato Chili Sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and mildly spicy condiment that brings a burst of flavor to any dish.
Loved for its perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and heat, this sauce is a kitchen staple for adding depth to meals.
Its rich, smooth texture and zesty punch make it a versatile companion, whether enhancing traditional recipes or elevating everyday cooking with a homemade touch.
How To Make Tomato Chili Sauce?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized glass jars for storage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 4 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
- 2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 fresh red chili peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh herbs — basil, oregano, or parsley
Instructions
1. Sauté the Base
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic cloves and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the diced bell peppers and chopped chili peppers, cooking until softened.
2. Add the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.
3. Simmer with Vinegar and Sugar
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir in the white sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
4. Season and Balance
Stir in lime juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add your chosen fresh herbs for aroma and freshness. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
5. Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
For a silky texture, use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender once it has cooled slightly) and blend until smooth.
6. Cool and Store
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring to sterilized glass jars. Refrigerate and enjoy within 2–3 weeks.
Nutrition Facts Of Tomato Chili Sauce
- Calories: 35
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 80mg
Which Goes Best With Tomato Chili Sauce?
◈ Burger & Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spicy spread for burgers, wraps, or grilled sandwiches for an extra flavor kick.
◈ Pasta & Noodles: Toss it with cooked pasta or noodles for a quick, tangy meal.
◈ Grilled Meats & BBQ: Brush over grilled chicken, fish, or kebabs as a glaze or marinade.
Tips & variations
❖ Adjust the Heat: Add more or fewer chili peppers depending on your spice preference.
❖ Smooth Sauce: Blend the sauce for a silky texture, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
❖ Sweetness Balance: Replace white sugar with honey or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
❖ Storage Tip: Store in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for a longer shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, add more or fewer chili peppers according to your heat preference.
How should I store it?
In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks.
Can I freeze tomato chili sauce?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, use good-quality canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
Is it suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, it contains only plant-based ingredients.
Conclusion
Tomato Chili Sauce combines tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors in a perfectly balanced way, making it a versatile kitchen staple.
Its vibrant color and rich texture showcase the art of homemade sauces, offering a satisfying cooking experience while elevating any dish with a touch of bold, zesty character.
Tomato Chili Sauce
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized glass jars for storage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 fresh tomatoes peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 4 red bell peppers seeded and diced
- 2 Garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 fresh red chili peppers seeded and chopped
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice or to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh herbs — basil oregano, or parsley
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic cloves and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the diced bell peppers and chopped chili peppers, cooking until softened.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir in the white sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add your chosen fresh herbs for aroma and freshness. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- For a silky texture, use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender once it has cooled slightly) and blend until smooth.
- Let the sauce cool completely before transferring to sterilized glass jars. Refrigerate and enjoy within 2–3 weeks.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.